Written with lushness and lyricism, this is a complex tale of friendships, community and family conflict expressed in fantastical metaphors
Sunday Times, Book of the Week
A stirring fantasy, rich in west African legend, investigates the bonds of blood, love and friendship, and what it takes to grow into your power
Guardian
Myth, magic and superstition ... Read morecourse through this dark and mesmerising novel of witchcraft, family and coming of age. I loved both A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars and Wolf Light, but this is Badoe's best YA novel yet
Editor's Choice, The Bookseller
Fierce and thrilling, Lionheart Girl delivers on the promise of Badoe's debut, and then some. I loved this original, lyrical, dark fable
Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of A Secret of Birds of Bone Vividly imaginative, brave, passionate and original heroine. A different kind of magical adventure that draws on West African myth for a story of universal interest'
Amanda Craig, author of The Golden Rule Unlike anything I've ever read. Mythical, vivid, unsettling and utterly page-turning, Lionheart Girl explores bonds of blood, friendship and the power of being true to yourself. Both unique and brilliant
Ele Fountain, author of Melt This is a magical tale, one that I loved... Yaba's writing is a rich feast to be savoured. Filled with unforgettable images that leave you breathless, it is about the strength of love'
Sally Gardner, author of Invisible in a Bright Light Loved it! Yaba's best so far – a wonderful tale of magic and family
Cat Johnson Lionheart Girl is deeply atmospheric, stunningly original, and sizzling with ancient myth and magic. Utterly unmissable
Sophie Anderson, author of The Castle of Tangled Magic A fun and ambitious read... A familial take on the fantasy genre'
Bad Form
Rooted in west African myth and tradition... This is a superb book
Irish Times
A thrillingly talented Ghanaian author weaving West African myth into a tale of love and courage
New Statesman
A bewitching, often dark, magical realism novel for children aged 12+
Book Trust
I love Badoe's tales of myth and magic
Daily Mail
Lionheart Girl is brilliantly written, richly evocative, and quite unforgettable. I loved it
Lauren St John Sheba and her mama have a uniquely combative relationship I don't think I've really seen before in YA fantasy. There's magic, great family relationships and lyrical writing and a beautiful ending!
Peter Bunzl Show Less