In many ways, Binti resembles the kind of “exceptional child goes to exceptional school” story that has become popular in the post-Potter age. But Nnedi Okorafor‘s Afrofuturist novella has much more to offer readers than a trite fantasy. It’s the story of 16-year-old Binti, a member of the Himba people, who defies her family’s wishes to attend Oomza Uni, the Harvard of intergalactic schools. When tragedy befalls her transport ship, Binti is the sole survivor, and must face off against the Meduse, an alien race who have a legendary conflict with the founders of the university. Continue reading →