Aisha Ademigbuji
Aunty Wunmi—I’ll never forget that name. She was my Primary 3 teacher, the one who opened my eyes to the world of reading and literature. Eloquent and engaging, she had a knack for captivating us during our Thursday literature periods. Her influence was instrumental in shaping my love for reading from a very young age. It was clear to me early on that I wanted to study either literature or the English language when I got to university.
Although I initially applied for English language and literature, fate led me to study mass communication. Despite this, I am still finding my way back to my first love. This column is one of my attempts. Another effort was starting a monologue blog a few months ago, the link to which I’ll share at the end of this article.
In today’s episode of “Pick Up a Book Today,” I’ll share some of the books that turned me into a book lover. These books are remarkable, but I must acknowledge Aunty Wunmi’s eloquence and storytelling skills, which played a significant role in nurturing my passion for reading. To inspire the next generation of readers, we must connect them with people who love books.
Now, let’s dive into the books that shaped me into an avid reader. Though they are old, they are timeless treasures. I would love to hear from my young readers about the books that influenced them, and perhaps we can feature a special post about them.
Sugar Girl: Also known as Ralia, The Sugar Girl, this book by Kola Onadipe follows Ralia, a girl with a blind mother and a father with a broken back. While collecting firewood in the forest, Ralia goes missing and is taken in by an old witch who offers her shelter in exchange for her singing voice. A few days later, Ralia escapes from the witch’s house. She is then taken in by a hunter and his family, where she befriends the hunter’s daughter. One day, while playing together, Ralia is accidentally knocked down by a prince, who takes her to his home to nurse her back to health. After recovering, Ralia is joyfully reunited with her parents in her village.
Koku Baboni: This gripping tale explores the life of a woman who becomes a mother to a child not her own. The story delves into the harrowing cultural practice of condemning twins to death, driven by the belief that they bring bad luck to the community. My favorite character in this story is the Lady in White.
Moji and Malaria: Written by Olajire Olaniokun, this book follows the Adegbite family, who, after experiencing multiple malaria attacks, educate their community on preventing the disease. I love how this book addresses a common enemy faced by many African children—mosquitoes and malaria.
Eze Goes to School: This 1963 children’s novel, co-written by Nigerian writer Onuora Nzekwu and British writer Michael Crowder, centers on Eze Adi, a young boy struggling to get a formal education due to his poor family background. Eze’s intelligence eventually earns him recognition. The novel highlights the challenges of obtaining an education in Nigeria during the 1990s, including truancy, cultism, and poverty. I appreciate how the authors make these issues understandable for children.
I would love to hear from you as well. Tell me about your favorite childhood book at ademigbujiaishat@gmail.com.
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