Kwame Crashes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer

 

On Sunday, I finished reading Kwame Crashes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer. This fantasy novel is about Kwame Powell, a twelve-year-old boy who is going to Ghana for a celebration of his grandmother's life after she recently passed away. Before leaving, he is at a sleepover with his best friend, Autumn Choi, when an aboatia that he names Woo steals his dashiki, a late birthday gift from his grandmother. Kwame and Autumn then chase Woo to Cape Fear Pier where they jump from a dock into a magical whirlpool leading them to Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld, to get Kwame's dashiki back. Once there, they meet Kwame's grandmother who somehow looks like a kid again. With her help, they face challenges, including angry nature gods, in the different levels of Asamando in order to stop the underworld from destroying Earth.

Oh my goodness, this book was an amazing adventure. I absolutely loved the world-building and rooting for Kwame, Autumn, Woo, and Ama, Kwame's grandmother, against their foes. From the beginning Kwame was a character I could relate to. When I wasn't much younger than him, I lost my grandfather, and it can be definitely be hard facing your grief and saying goodbye, which was one of the main themes in this story. I also enjoyed the fight scenes and learning more about Ghanaian culture. The akrefena (an Akan sword) that Kwame used was so cool because it could take his commands and get the job done. Not to mention, I really liked how Ama, as a Queen Mother, could use the power of Asase, an Akan goddess, by using a stylus to draw Adinkra symbols for spells, like a protective shield. Although this book is action-packed and exhilarating, it's also very emotional. Because only living souls can leave Asamando, it was devastating knowing that Kwame would eventually have to leave Ama behind. The end was bittersweet, but I did enjoy the final face-off with Nansi, which I was highly anticipating throughout the story. Additionally, I adored Autumn because she showed that even if you have a disability like being hard of hearing, you are still capable. I thought it was wonderful that she and Kwame could so easily switch between American Sign Language and speaking. I can't say enough nice things about Kwame Crashes the Underworld and anyone who loves fantasy and adventure should read it.