Adventure Awaits: 5 Reasons Your Child Will Love the Anyia Series

When I created the Anyia series, I had one mission in mind: to write stories where Black girls could see themselves as powerful, magical, and brave. Stories I wished I had growing up. Stories I wanted my daughter to have. And stories that would spark the imagination of young readers while celebrating identity and self-discovery. I wanted to give our daughters some love. 

At the heart of it all is Anyia, a fierce, determined girl who dreams of becoming a warrior, even when tradition says she can't. Here are five reasons why your child will love joining her on her journey:

1. A Heroine Who Breaks the Mold
Anyia lives in Nagoran Village, where girls are expected to follow a traditional path. But Anyia wants something more. As the daughter of the Chief, she's expected to become a Yora, a civic leader who supports the village through service. But Anyia dreams of being a warrior. And she's not just dreaming, she's training in secret with her brother, breaking boundaries and chasing her own path.

One of the most powerful moments in Anyia – Dream of a Warrior is when she defies her father's wishes and slips into the forest in search of Amoonda, the legendary woman warrior. She leaves behind the safety of her village, knowing the risk, but unwilling to ignore her calling. “She ran toward what everyone told her to run from.” That single decision sets the stage for everything that follows.

Her story is a powerful reminder that courage means choosing yourself, even when others don't understand. So many times growing up, I felt other people were telling me who I was and what I was supposed to be doing. Writing books was never in their plans, but it was in mine once I discovered my love of storytelling. I always had stories in my head, but it wasn't until after I had my daughter that I realized I could write and publish them.

There was no one to tell me I could. The publishing industry didn’t show me I could. But I knew I could. So I followed my path and began my journey against all odds. No mentor, no advisor, no help. I took my notebook, wrote down all the questions I thought I needed to answer to follow my dream, and started answering them one at a time. And like most dreams, we often get it wrong at first. But if we keep moving, keep trying, and keep picking ourselves up, we will get it right. We will succeed.

That’s what Anyia’s journey is all about. 

2. A Story That Honors Inner Magic
When Anyia meets Amoonda, the first woman warrior in her village's history, she discovers something incredible: her people once wielded a forgotten magic. This magic isn't taught in books or passed down in scrolls. It's something ancient and instinctual. A power that radiates from the pit of her stomach, flowing through her body and into her battle stick. Amoonda teaches her how to center that energy and release it with intent.

In one of the most memorable scenes, Amoonda explains, “The charge of my battle stick comes from within. It’s that power that the people of Nagoran have forgotten.” When Anyia feels that magic come alive in her hands for the first time, it’s a moment of pure transformation. Her eyes widen. She doesn’t just believe she can be a warrior—she knows she already is.

That moment of awakening is more than just fantasy. It represents the rediscovery of something beautiful and long buried: heritage, strength, identity. It symbolizes what we want every child to know. Your power comes from within. You don’t need permission to unlock it. You just need the courage to claim it.

3. Emotional Growth Through Action
Anyia doesn't just fight battles, she faces hard decisions. One of the most heart-wrenching quotes from Anyia – It Beginsis when she says, “I don’t want to lose her... but I can’t lose myself either.” This moment captures the emotional depth of her journey—fighting not only for her mother but for her own identity in the process. In book two, Anyia – It Begins, she gives up something dear to her in order to protect her mother. It's a moment of maturity, sacrifice, and reflection.

When her mother is taken, Anyia is pushed to her emotional limits. She sets aside what she wants, and focuses on what she must do. Her growth isn’t just shown in strength, but in compassion. She chooses loyalty over comfort, and bravery over fear. That choice gives young readers a powerful example of what it means to step up for the people you love.

4. A Relatable, Flawed, and Fierce Character
Did you know? Anyia is a terrible cook! While others in the village bake bread or stir soup, she'd much rather be racing through the forest or practicing battle moves. One scene shows her burning the bread she’s supposed to be making, leaving the kitchen in a smoky mess while sneaking off to train.

She struggles. She argues. She doubts herself. And that's what makes her real. Kids see their own imperfections in her and learn that those don't stop you from being a hero.

In one scene, when faced with a moment of fear, she says, “I may not be ready. But I’m going anyway.” That quote embodies her grit, her vulnerability, and her unstoppable drive. Anyia never waits for the perfect moment—she creates it by stepping forward anyway. Kids see their own imperfections in her and learn that those don't stop you from being a hero.

5. A World That Feels Like Home and Adventure in One
From the forest trails of Nagoran to the legendary warrior shrines, the Anyia books immerse readers in a magical world rooted in African-inspired tradition and imagination. The language, customs, and culture are rich and unique, yet incredibly relatable.

As Amoonda once said, “Magic is in the land, but it’s also in your breath, your voice, and your memory.” This quote echoes throughout Anyia’s journey, reminding readers that the world of Nagoran is not just enchanted by spells, but by the lived experiences, traditions, and dreams of its people.

You’ll meet characters like Amoonda, who is both wise and fierce. Or Anan, Anyia’s older brother and secret training partner. And you’ll see moments like Anyia placing her hand on a carved stone that hums with magic, connecting her to her ancestors. Whether your child is dreaming of battles or discovering who they are, Anyia's world will feel like both escape and connection.

Where to Begin?
Start with Anyia – Dream of a Warrior, where her story begins and her inner fire first takes shape. Then follow her into Anyia – It Begins to see her grow, fight, and step fully into the warrior she was born to be.

Because courage brings strength.
And Anyia has plenty of both.

Explore the series today and introduce your young reader to a hero who dares to dream differently.