Nigeria Jones: A Novel

Written by Ibi Zoboi

Narrated by Marcella Cox

Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner!

“An unwavering proclamation of Black girlhood.” —Candice Iloh, author of National Book Award finalist Every Body Looking

From Ibi Zoboi, bestselling, award-winning author of American Street and coauthor of Punching the Air, comes a bold new YA coming-of-age story that explores race, feminism, and complicated family dynamics. The ideal next read for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, Jacqueline Woodson, and Roxane Gay.

Warrior Princess. That’s what Nigeria Jones’s father calls her. He has raised her as part of the Movement, a Black separatist group based in Philadelphia. Nigeria is homeschooled and vegan and participates in traditional rituals to connect her and other kids from the group to their ancestors. But when her mother—the perfect matriarch of their Movement—disappears, Nigeria’s world is upended. She finds herself taking care of her baby brother and stepping into a role she doesn’t want.

Nigeria’s mother had secrets. She wished for a different life for her children, which includes sending her daughter to a private Quaker school outside of their strict group. Despite her father’s disapproval, Nigeria attends the school with her cousin, Kamau, and Sage, who used to be a friend. ­There, she begins to flourish and expand her universe.

As Nigeria searches for her mother, she starts to uncover a shocking truth. One that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about her life and her family.

From award-winning author Ibi Zoboi comes a powerful story about discovering who you are in the world—and fighting for that person—by having the courage to be your own revolution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: May 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9780063281189

Ibi Zoboi

Ibi Zoboi is the New York Times bestselling author of American Street, a National Book Award finalist; Nigeria Jones, a Coretta Scott King Award winner; Pride; My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich; Star Child; Okoye to the People; the Walter Award–winning Punching the Air, cowritten with Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam; and the Coretta Scott King Honor–winning picture book The People Remember. She is also the editor of the anthology Black Enough. Born in Haiti and raised in New York City, she now lives in New Jersey with her family. You can find her online at ibizoboi.net.

Reviews for Nigeria Jones

[Kenya Numan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful thoughtful, engaging story. The theme of empowerment, activism and coming into one’s own was intriguing & engaging. Definitely one to keep on the bookshelf for all to read. Will be looking for other works by this author.

[Reese Terstriep · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic! Great detail and a nice easy read. Perfect for an evening in.

[Katie Evans · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book a lot, and I look forward to listening to other books by this author, and I also loved the narrator, which makes or breaks an audiobook. Nigeria is dealing with complex and heavy issues, and I could feel all her feelings along with her as I went through the journey of the story. All of the people felt very real, and I was moved to tears several times as I listened. Despite that, it isn’t a heavy book, it doesn’t fall into angst, as YA books sometimes do, but addresses real world things with grace, hope and a lovely writing voice. I would definitely recommend it to others!

[Krista McCain · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I flipping loved this YA novel. Talk about a ton of things to unpack. I can’t even begin to. I’m just happy to have read it.