Mella and the N'anga: An African Tale [Paperback]

Gail Nyoka (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: 3 and up

This title is intended for ages 8 to 13 years. Mella lives in the long-ago time when the place we now call Zimbabwe was known as the Land of the People. Within the great hilltop town of Mopopoto, Mella's beloved father, the King, lies gravely ill. Beyond the high stone walls, the land has been overcome by drought and unrest grows between the warrior tribes of the kingdom. Senior Sister, one of the wisest elders in the town, has taught Mella the forbidden song that will call the Great N'anga, a strange and powerful figure who is viewed with suspicion by most townspeople. The N'anga comes to the town in answer to her call and chooses three girls to train in the ways of the ancient Daughters of the Hunt. The girls learn the skills of the hunt, the ways of the forest and, when the N'anga and Senior Sister think they are ready, are initiated into the ways of the ancient sacred drum, which has lain hidden and waiting for decades for a worthy girl to bring it to life again in a time of need. Mella learns from the N'anga that the only way to restore her father's health is to seek out the much-feared Python Healer, a perilous journey that few would undertake. When Mella's brother, the warrior Dikita, fails to bring back the Python Healer, Mella knows there is only one thing to do: she must face the Python Healer herself. In this tale of courage and wisdom, Gail Nyoka brings to life a mythic time and gives us a fascinating glimpse of society in ancient Africa.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8–This tale is rich in imagery that brings the setting to life. Mella is the daughter of a king in ancient Zimbabwe, when it was known as the Land of the People. Her father is ill and their land is withering along with him. Her brother, a warrior who has become proud and boastful, goes on a quest to fetch the python that the Great N'anga says can cure their father. Unfortunately for her brother, the ability to fight is not all that is needed to succeed on a treacherous journey. With N'anga's help, Mella and two other village girls are trained to reclaim their heritage as Daughters of the Moon. This story is told with a strength and dignity that shines through its characters. Like classic epics where the hero is tested and wisdom prevails, the girls come to trust their inner gifts and learn from the world around them. Complete with the threat of marriage to an awful old man and an auntie who gives classic stepmothers a run for their money, this story will resonate with folk- and fairy-tale readers as well as adventurers, and with girls who are looking for their own sense of purpose by learning to listen to their hearts.–Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. In ancient, mythical Zimbabwe, a young girl risks her life to save her father and drought-plagued kingdom. The N'anga--a mysterious, spiritual advisor--exclaims that the kingdom's harmony depends on help from the Python Healer, a terrifying creature in a faraway lair. Mella, the king's daughter, steps forward to bring back the healer, but her young warrior brother scoffs at the notion of a girl undertaking the dangerous journey and sets out instead. Meanwhile, Mella and two friends train with N'anga to become Daughters of the Hunt, learning the long-lost traditions of women warriors, and it's these young women, led by Mella, who rescue their people. Some readers may be slowed by Nyoka's occasionally overreaching, formal prose ("Mella, she who was the king's daughter"), but the language reinforces the sense of the ancient court setting, and many passages glimmer with mysticism linked to the beauty of the natural world. Mella's thrilling, magical, girl-powered quest will attract many readers, who will look forward to the sequels hinted at in the story's conclusion. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sumach Press (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189454949X
• ISBN-13: 978-1894549493
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,053,638 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An African Tale for Modern Kids, March 19, 2009

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Mella and the N'anga: An African Tale (Paperback)

Before I read this book, I saw its author, Gail Nyoka, present it to two grade school classes. She is a warm and well-informed presenter, with fascinating stories to tell in addition to the tale itself.

Reading the book, I was even more impressed. Nyoka develops this Zimbabwean tale into a full scale narrative, evoking a time of high civilization unfamiliar to this reader, a time as well of deep connection to earth, magic, and tradition. Good tale well told. Recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars An African Tale for Modern Kids, March 19, 2009

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Mella and the N'anga: An African Tale (Paperback)

Before I read this book, I saw its author, Gail Nyoka, present it to two grade school classes. She is a warm and well-informed presenter, with fascinating stories to tell in addition to the tale itself.

Reading the book, I was even more impressed. Nyoka develops this Zimbabwean tale into a full scale narrative, evoking a time of high civilization unfamiliar to this reader, a time as well of deep connection to earth, magic, and tradition. Good tale well told. Recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars An African Tale for Modern Kids, March 19, 2009

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Mella and the N'anga: An African Tale (Paperback)

Before I read this book, I saw its author, Gail Nyoka, present it to two grade school classes. She is a warm and well-informed presenter, with fascinating stories to tell in addition to the tale itself.

Reading the book, I was even more impressed. Nyoka develops this Zimbabwean tale into a full scale narrative, evoking a time of high civilization unfamiliar to this reader, a time as well of deep connection to earth, magic, and tradition. Good tale well told. Recommended.