Mayowa and the Sea of Words
Written by Chibundu Onuzo
Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books
WARNING: DO NOT JUMP ON THIS BOOK!
Have you ever jumped on a book? Perhaps not. Most people would think it was a rather unusual thing to do.
Ten-year-old Mayowa has always thought that her Grandpa Edward, who dyes his beard emerald green and jumps on books in private, is rather unusual too. Until one day she jumps on a book for herself, and uncovers a huge family secret …
Mayowa can book jump.
By jumping on a book, she can harness the emotions inside it and channel them directly into other people. And when the opportunity to use her power to save the lives of countless refugees presents itself, Mayowa wants to jump in with both feet.
But Mayowa and her grandpa aren’t the only book jumpers in existence. And not everybody wants to use this power for good …
Primary ISBN: 9781526660992
Publication Date: February 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Nigerian/Nigerian American
Themes: Activism, Allyship, Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Immigration Status, Discrimination: Racial, Diverse Abilities: Physical, Education & Literacy, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Generation: 1st, Genre: Action Adventure, Genre: Fantasy & Folklore, Identity: Exploration, Identity: Multiracial, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Refugee: War/Conflict, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: England (London)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation, Refugee
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Engagement Projects & Resources:
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Engagement Materials:
Chibundu Onezolu’s Mayowa and the Sea of Words
Source: ReadingZone Bookclub