The House of Shells

Kuki has just moved house, and schools, and she’s struggling to make friends. One girl, Moji, pressures her to do her homework for her, yet won’t include her in her circle at school. Kuki’s mum is worried about her, but Kuki doesn’t want to stress her out because she’s heavily pregnant and happy with her new husband, Dr D.

One day Kuki explores the woodland near her new home, on the coast of Nigeria, and discovers an abandoned beach house. There she meets Enilo, a skinny girl who wears shells in her hair and on her necklace. Shy Enilo won’t tell Kuki where she lives or where her parents are, but the two girls have a lot in common. Soon they become firm friends.

But what secrets is Enilo hiding? And why shouldn’t Kuki go near the beach house at night?

An excellent novel full of heart, blending everyday issues, like friendship and coping with changes in your life, with Nigerian folk tales. Superstitious traditions add a frisson of danger, and the school scenes are recognisable wherever you go to school. Readers will identify hugely with Kuki’s dilemmas and be rooting for her throughout.