Sala, Mountain Warrior

Sala has a real mountain to climb in this authentic story set among the Samburu people of Kenya.

There’s a school trip to climb the mountain near Sala’s home and she’s excited – but nervous too, because she’s the only girl to take the challenge…. But Grandmother shows the way, inspiring Sala with her mountain lore, her special beads and her storytelling. Can Sala climb to the top of the mountain and be the first warrior girl of her clan. Set in the Samburu region of northern Kenya, this is an exciting, inspirational story about courage and empowerment.

"Sala, Mountain Warrior is a lovely picture book which tells a great story of girl power… it captures a culture and landscape so warm and inviting that children will be instantly drawn in. The text is clear and the language accessible for children to read independently. Highly recommended for any classroom bookshelf."

"Digital art in bright desert colors portrays the Kenyan countryside and the people with warmth and affection. It’s interesting to see the native beads and attire of Grandmother and the guide Laibon, and how they are respected by the children. I think kids will love the drama of whether Sala will make it up the mountain, especially as she is representing her gender! A note at the end explains that the story is inspired by the lives of girls in the Northern Kenyan Samburu community. The text is a bit longer than many picture books, and Sala is in elementary school, so I think this would be great to read aloud to grades K-3."

"This lovely story about female empowerment and determination is also about the wisdom the old have to offer the young... A clear text with equally bold, colourful illustrations which convey character and mood so clearly, this would be verysuitable for 5-7 year olds."

Wakanyi Hoffman was born in Kenya and recalls visiting her grandmother's home, with snow-capped Mount Kenya in the background, and listening to stories that not only entertained but told her about the world. Wakanyi is a storyteller, author, journalist and keeper of indigenous wisdom. She is the author of many online stories and of The Twelve Days of Christmas Safari, published by the African Folktales Project. Wakanyi has lived in many countries and calls herself a "multicultural nomad". She currently lives in the Netherlands.

Onyinye Iwu is a secondary school teacher and freelance illustrator. She was Born in Italy to Nigerian parents and moved to Britain as a teenager. She has a degree in Architecture and a Masters in Cultural Diaspora Ethnicity. Her work as an illustrator is inspired by Africa and especially her Igbo heritage. She is the illustrator of the Too Small Tola books by Atinuke. Onyinye lives in London.

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