Nnamdi's dad was the police chief of Kaleria, Nigeria, until his unsolved murder a year ago. A surprising and all-too-brief encounter with his father's ghost leaves 12-year-old Nnamdi in possession of the Ikenga, a magical statue. With it, Nnamdi can transform into a larger-than-life, powerful man. He begins targeting the community's chronic criminals almost by accident, but soon hopes to avenge his father by discovering who was behind his murder. The more he transforms, however, the more Nnamdi struggles to manage his powers and the rage that is starting to become a regular emotion, even when he's himself. And while this mysterious avenger with the dark black skin was initially praised, media coverage begins shifting perception, framing him as someone to fear. The kidnapping of a classmate gives Nnamdi and his best friend, Chioma, the opportunity to begin to put all the pieces of the mystery together, but there are still unexpected revelations before Nnamdi discovers the truth behind his father's death. Nnamdi's grief and anger over the loss of his father are so genuine in a story in which the challenges of mastering his supernatural abilities and feelings so he doesn't turn violent adds to the tension. (Ages 8-11)