With playful language and irreverent humor, Akissi and her family take readers on a tour of daily life in West Africa. This is more comic than graphic novel; each episode stands on its own. But readers’ affection for Akissi and their understanding of her environment will grow as the collection progresses. Readers may be unfamiliar with some activities, such as having to go outside to use the bathroom or sitting for many painful hours getting your hair braided. And some episodes may shock readers, like when Akissi contracts a tapeworm! Akissi is always scheming… and often getting caught in hilarious ways. 

Book reviewed by Erin E., Youth Services Programming Coordinator