The door of no return by Kwame Alexander

Alexander’s The Door of No Return is the first of a trilogy of books that each explores a particular period of African history. Set in 1860, this historical fiction shows the rich culture of the Ghanaian people in their homeland, before they were abducted and enslaved in America. Alexander describes it as about the 'African part of African-American'; it is a counterpoint to the history that the conquerors tell.

Kofi is an extremely likeable 11-year-old boy from the Asanti kingdom of West Africa, (Ghana) caught between two cultures. He enjoys listening to his loving grandfather’s stories of the ancestors, while his westernised teacher is intent on teaching him to speak correct English and read Shakespeare. His life in the village is relatively carefree, despite having to regularly avoid/challenge a bullying cousin and defend his secret crush, until this idyllic life is upturned by a series of devastating events.

Alexander weaves an engaging story around the centuries-old celebrations of the Kings’ Festival and the reader gains a solid insight into pre-European Ghanaian daily life and culture including wrestling contests, the importance of a traditional board game 'oware', wars fought over gold, and initiation ceremonies. Kofi’s grandfather’s sage advice stresses the importance of family and storytelling in maintaining the tribal traditions.

The two final chapters recount Kofi’s abduction into slavery, and transportation to America.

A glossary, list of locations and description of the Ghanaian symbols that appear throughout the book adds depth to the story and anchors it in reality.

This is an engrossing adventure story, layered with fascinating cultural information. Type-set as a verse novel, The Door is an easy read, as the language is down-to-earth and the plot fast-paced. However some dark instances of death, torture and slavery make for harrowing reading, so would be most appropriate for mature teens.