Before I get into my review of Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo, I wonder one thing… Can someone review jump? If so, they’re in for a lustrous ride with this one!

Mayowa and the Sea of Words is Onuzo’s first children’s novel set to hit shelves in just over a month on 20th June. Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, this middle grade fantasy adventure is most certainly going to capture the minds and hearts of audiences, both young and old.

Mayowa is sent to spend the summer in the care of eccentric Grandpa Edward, a member of the House of Lords who’s chosen to work for passion, as Mum embarks on a piano tour with Dad going with her. Grandpa Edward, and his magnificent green beard, is renowned for being seen jumping on books, something he tried to encourage Mayowa’s father to do and something Mayowa has tried, despite being told not to.

Finding herself stuck up a tree after a game with newfound friend Hamza, Grandpa Edward disappears for help and returns clutching a book and taking off his shoes. What a peculiar time to demonstrate his bizarre passion for jumping on books, ey? Yet, as he bounds atop the book, Mayowa is suddenly filled with a surge of bravery, descending the tree with ease!

Bewildered by the newfound boldness, Mayowa uncovers the Howard family secret… They are the illustrious book jumpers, or ‘logosalters’ as Grandpa Edward reveals. Those gifted can leap upon a book, harness the waves of emotion within its pages, and project those feelings onto others.

When a Parliamentary vote of the Boat Bill, designed to prevent helping when refugees are drowning in British waters, passes in Mayowa’s presence, she realises something’s wrong. Her newfound power senses something evil, the worst emotions imaginable used to sway the vote.

Before the vote is pushed through to law, there’s one more chance to reverse it. Can Mayowa, Hamza and Grandpa Edward work out who’s using bookjumping for evil, and can they stop them in time without losing themselves in the process?

Onuzo’s writing waves the way of drama and light-heartedness magically throughout the whole book. At the heart of this enchanting narrative is Mayowa, whose unyielding spirit and determination to challenge the status quo radiate from every page. Her journey is punctuated by laugh-out-loud footnotes and a cast of delightful characters—Grandpa Edward with his strength of will and heart, the spirited Hamza, the nurturing Nooria, and the indomitable Adut Deng—creating a world that welcomes all to join the adventure.

In the year 2024, discovering new forms of magic in literature is a rare delight, yet Onuzo conjures it effortlessly, drawing from a familiar space for readers… books! Readers will find themselves swept up in the emotional whirlwind of the characters’ lives, the gripping narrative, and the reflections of ourselves that we invest in the stories we read. The concept of bookjumping, so deftly brought to life in Mayowa will resonate with readers as an actual possibility, an art form we’ve all unknowingly practiced.

The story doesn’t shy away from pressing issues, particularly the dehumanisation of refugees. Onuzo skilfully educates and inspires, leaving readers with newfound knowledge and the realisation, “I certainly learnt something from this book.” Beyond the refugee narrative, the book delves into societal debates: the pursuit of wealth versus passion, the archaic class hierarchy, and the sense of powerlessness against forces beyond our control.

Midway through the book, I found myself yearning for a climactic showdown between Mayowa and David Hayward. However, as I got to the third act, I realised perhaps that’s a lesson I need to learn; don’t focus on the figurehead when you could be elsewhere doing good! This revelation is a testament to Onuzo’s storytelling, which not only entertains but also imparts wisdom.

Onuzo writes in footnote 49, ‘Good books are so much better the second, third or even fourth time round’ and I, for one, cannot wait to grab a physical copy in June, listen to Onuzo’s accompanying single and relish in the masterpiece that is Mayowa and the Seas of Words all over again… *runs to grab a book to jump on*

📚Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo
A charming and original adventure with a strong message about social responsibility

Ten year old Mayowa is sent to spend the summer with her grandfather in his dilapidated mansion whilst her blind mother is touring the US with her father. There she discovers she has inherited a magical power, the jump on books and Chanel the emotions from its readings. But she and her grandfather are about to discover they aren’t the only book jumpers out there

I loved the premise of this book and the world of book jumping (don’t try it at home). It weaves in elements of social justice, support for refugees, race and identity, the power and importance of books and the importance of keeping your skin well moisturised. Mayowa is a great heroine, determined and courageous. I loved how the two different parts of her heritage - her blind musician Nigerian mother and then very old school British grandfather played a role in the story. It was fun, adventurous and full of heart. I loved it.

Also huge appreciation for the casual mention of Yoruba Girl dancing by Simi Bedford in here - I totally agree!

Mayowa and the Sea of Worlds was such a beautiful book. The concept of book jumping is so unique and fun. I would have adored this book when I was a child and I adore it now! Onuzo's writing style is so engaging, it is light hearted and oh so readable but also beautifully detailed and rich in its imagery and emotions. I especially enjoyed all the hilarious foot notes they really cracked me up and were a fun way to explain some of the more complicated ideas explored here. I love the way that it could also inspire young readers to read the other books referenced throughout.

Chibudu Onuzo touches on so many beautiful lessons and important messages in a way that never feels forced. It just feels like an honest experience of a young person moving through the world and experiencing all the colours of life. This is a book I think every young person would thoroughly enjoy and benefit from reading.

Like most readers, I love a magic system that's related to books, and this was a great one. I really loved this story, the characters, the plot and the subplots. The family dynamics were very interesting too. It was an overall great middle grade. It was fun and engaging and spoke of important topics too. I have no notes and I cannot wait for book 2.

When Mayowa sees her grandpa dying his facial hair and jumping around on books, she can't help but think that he is rather unusual. It isn't everyday you witness such activity! However, when one day she takes it upon herself to try 'book-jumping' out, she discovers a magical core and a family secret.

Mayowa is from a very special family who have the ability to imbibe the emotions held within the pages of a book and then redirect them into other people. These emotions are released by jumping up and down on the books! When she realises that she can use her new found power to save countless lives, she doesn't hesitate. But not everyone who has this power wishes to use it for good....

Ok, we are putting our cards on the table here, the idea of book-jumping was absolutely horrifying to us! We made it very clear to our Book Clubbers age 9-12 that this behaviour would not be tolerated in any way shape or form! Once that mission was accomplished, we allowed ourselves to relax into this with just a small wince each time it was mentioned and enjoy this highly imaginative start to a trilogy about a resilient and inquisitive young girl with a heart of gold.

Tackling themes of refugees, compassion and support for asylum seekers, this book was a welcome addition to invite discussion on these highly relevant themes and used Mayowa's beautiful friendship with Hamza as a lovely segway into them. In a world in much need of hope and humanity, this book makes for a strong start in the series and we are looking forward to the next one being released.

Perfect for fans of Pages & Co looking to fill the void left by the end of that series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Childrens for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

An unusual twist on the classic trope of children escaping into a book, or as a portal to another world. Here, Mayowa discovers that she can channel the emotions from written words and even transfer the emotions to others. A villain with the same powers is using them to convince MPs to vote for bills that ban refugees, and Mayowa is doing her best to stop them. I enjoyed the plot and the diverse characters, and would love to read this to year 5 or 6 at school as a class novel. A very timely and relevant book that would be enjoyed by keen readers and children with a sense of social justice from 9+.

An interesting take on the idea of books having a special kind of magic, although I'm sure lots will be horrified with the idea of 'book-jumping'! The pacing of the story was good, villains introduced at the right time, and I liked how the ending offers a hint of possible magic from her mother's side which presumbably will form the basis of the sequel.
I particularly liked the lovely relationship between Mayowa and her grandad and how this linked to being supportive of asylum seekers and refugees. I thought these important themes were discussed in the right amount of detail and would lead into positive conversations outside of the book when reading with parents or as a class text.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

I am afraid this book was not for me.

On the plus side, Mayowa is a likeable character although she seem to me to be very mature and sensible for her age, especially in today's world where I feel that children are generally quite immature. Mayowa's relationship with her grandfather and her loving family is very nicely portrayed. .

On the minus side, I just couldn't buy into the concept of releasing emotions somehow stored in particular books from previous readers and I dont like the term logosalter either.

After Mayowa develops her ability the pace slows and I was just starting to wonder how a whole book could be made out of the book jumping when luckily the villains are introduced and it picks up a bit. I think the villains showed potential, especially Danielle but they were under developed and no motive was given for their actions,

The footnotes are occasionally quite amusing but also very annoying, especially when, as in the ebook I read, you have to flip through a few pages to get the notes. I expect this will work better in a hard copy.

Finally, I think the book is too political and far too biased. It very much over simplifies the social issues of immigration/asylum seeking etc., to the extent that I think it might be quite difficult to use the book as a springboard for debate. with a child.

I see this is the first in a series. To be fair, I might read the next one to see which Important Issue we are championing this time.

Despite my horror that anyone would put a book on the floor and jump on it, I loved this books. A well written and eas flowing story that tackled some important issues, such as refugees, influing others throigh word honstly, compassion to name a few. The relationship between all the characters is delightful and the grandparent/grndchild relatonship is warm and loving whilst still retaining a sense of responsibility and helping the grandchild see right from wrong.

Mayowa and Hamza quickly form a freindship based on shared values despite not always seeing things in the same way and their quick wit and itteligence will engage young readers.

I loved the sidenotes and the fact they gave explanations of the word/phrase/point but not always in the way one would traditionally expect.

A book that will delight, teach and engage the reader.

The fantasy and political themes don't always blend well together but both elements are well constructed in rich language, and will certainly invite comment and discussion. It tackles complex issues with heart and positivity, with an engaging female lead. Well worth trying

I loved this and read it all in one sitting as I was swept away by the amazing vocabulary contained within this fabulous story. Mayowa is my favourite kind of child - curious, resilient and persistent. Whilst staying with her Grandpa Edward, she uncovers a secret which is set to change her outlook on the world. She makes a new friend in Hamza and through this friendship develops an understanding of the challenges faced by those forced to leave their home country. I would love to be a logoslater!

I read Onuzo's most recent novel 'Sankofa' and loved it and was so excited to see what stories she would choose to tell for a younger audience. The central idea of this book is lovely - that a particular magical sort of person can channel the emotions held within words and stories and use them to change hearts and minds. I also loved the relationships within Mayowa's family - particularly that between her and her Grandfather. I can imagine the adventure and the Good v. Evil of it all would really connect with young readers. She also touches on a range of wider social issues in a way that would allow a parent or a teacher to use it as a hook for further discussion or learning.
Great stuff. Would recommend for children around 8 - 10 years.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the chance to read this ARC, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.; Mayowa and the Sea of Words is so moving, warm and fearless. Mayowa and her family are gems, five stars.

Mayowa and the Sea of Words is an elegantly, beautifully crafted, compassionate and enlightening novel. Aimed at children, this masterpiece is captivating and enlightening. In a world that is shouting out for care, hope, empathy and trust in humanity, this book is just the ticket.
Try jumping on a book. This dazzlingly imaginative adventure about one's girl's power to change the world through book jumping is gripping. Through out the novel family secrets are uncovered, emotions are harnessed, love reigns and lives of countless people are positively affected. Power ultimately triumphs for good.

.Chibundu Onuzo delivers abundantly. Brimming with hear, Mayowa and the Sea of Words is a must read that demonstrates the awesome impact of a good book!

This is a wonderful book for anyone who enjoys reading, and loves books just for existing!

Mayowa realises that she has more in common with eccentric, green-bearded Grandpa Edward than she thought, once she discovers that she too shares the family talent for book jumping.

Unfortunately there are always villains around who wants to turn something good into something bad for their own purposes. Can she and Grandpa Edward find a way to do the right thing?

A charming story that's worth checking out. It gets 3.5 stars!

I love how Mayowa discovers her magical powers, although it made me very tempted to start jumping on books to see if I could join in the fun! This is a lovely transitions book for pupils in the last years of primary and the start of secondary school.. There's a lot of fun with Mayowa and her grandpa's adventures but also a serious side as the story is set when the Boat Act is being voted on in Parliament and they work together to support their refugee friends and neighbours. There is a great hero / villain conflict to keep the action going and it gets quite nail-biting towards the end.

Review from my daughter aged 9 & 3/4.

This book was brilliant. I loved all the descriptions and the world the writer created. The characters were so interesting and I really liked reading about the books Mayowa and her Grandad jumped on.

I’d recommend this book to readers who just love books. I loved the mentions of all the other books within this book and to people who enjoy adventures and stories full of imagination.

I can’t wait to read more about Mayowa.

This is absolutely a new favourite! I love the magic system (jumping on books! So transgressive yet whimsical!) and the way it finds real-world applications to oppose hate speech, racism, and intolerance. The book's theme centres around a refugee family, and this topic is presented at a perfect pitch for Middle Grade but without sacrificing any emotional depth. The author has truly captured the essence of British culture, the good and the bad and all the contradictions in between, and done so in a moving, humorous, and captivating way.

This is an incredible story, with a powerful twist. Mayowa is spending time with her grandfather this summer but he is an odd character with a bright green beard and penchant for jumping on books.

May’s mother is not keen on the jumping on books and has banned the activity for May. Over the course of the summer, Mayowa learns a lot about her grandfather and the reasons for book jumping, or logosalterting as it is formally called. He can channel emotions through stories to those around him. Sending courage to May when she climbs too high in a tree or compassion to those on a protest to protect refugees.

May discovers she too can logosalter and just in time as it turns out someone else has this ability and are using their power for evil! Can May and her grandpa combat those who wish to stop refugees entering the UK? Are they strong enough to share compassion, empathy and understanding?

Wonderfully written, this story highlights the power of words when used for good. It celebrates refugees and their unique experiences and courage. The relationship between May and those around her is special and she is very loved. Not to mention powerful!

Heartwarming and lovely, this is a story worth spending time with.

This is a spoiler free review! ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

“You cannot forget the truth, nor can you cover it up. It’s a song that can never be silenced and a flame that cannot be put out.”

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☆ Synopsis
Ten-year-old Mayowa is sent to stay with her Grandpa Eward while her parents are away and decides to jump on a book, doing so fills her with a range of new and exciting, albeit scary sensations. Her Grandpa rushes to her aid and explains that he and Mayowa have a special gift of book jumping which in essence is when someone can absorb and redirect the emotions that books evoke in their readers. It is a rare talent believed to be limited to her family and under threat of dying out. That is, until the pair discover there may be someone else with this special power and whoever is using this talent is using it for evil – to put the lives of refugees in danger while voting in Parliament. Will young, inexperienced Mayowa and her elderly grandfather be able to discover who the hidden book jumper is and harness their powers for good and prevent the deaths of innocent people?

☆ My thoughts

This book has a wonderful cast of diverse characters and tackles heavy topics, like the topic of refugees, in a sensitive way. Politics is a central theme to the novel and I loved that the author was not afraid to include this in a middle grade book, I think it makes for an important read. The inclusion of disabled characters too was a lovely addition to the book, especially as that was also handled very delicately. Despite the serious themes handled in the book, it remains fun and upbeat throughout, and that was helped by the addition of the little footnotes which added to the atmosphere and storytelling.
The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter displaying Mayowa’s growth throughout were lovely too, matching the absolutely gorgeous cover art for this novel, which was one of the reasons I picked it up in the first place.
This is the sort of book I would have loved as a child and I loved even as an adult, despite being well above the age of the target audience for this book. Books like this prove that children are fully capable to understand heavy themes, such as equality, diversity and disability, and that they can be taught in a way that still remains fun and accurate for the target age demographic.
What a delightful little read! I was intrigued by the beautiful cover art and the warning “do not jump on this book!” in the blurb and I’m so glad I decided to request this title.


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Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.