Flying Through Water by Mamle Wolo is a powerful middle-grade novel that blends historical fiction with themes of resilience and cultural identity. Set in rural Ghana, the story follows 15-year-old Sena, who grapples with poverty and familial instability after his father’s death. When a manipulative stranger lures him into the dangerous world of child trafficking on Lake Volta, Sena must navigate survival while clinging to hope and self-discovery. Wolo’s narrative is unflinching yet compassionate, weaving in elements of Ghanaian folklore—like the water goddess Mami Wata—to enrich the story’s emotional depth. Though the subject matter is heavy, the focus on Sena’s inner strength and the bonds he forms with other boys in captivity creates a narrative that is both harrowing and hopeful, suitable for readers aged 10–14. Wolo’s accessible prose makes this book an excellent choice for English language learners and reluctant readers. The sentence structure is straightforward, with concise paragraphs and dialogue that propels the story forward without overwhelming readers. New vocabulary, such as local terms like kente cloth or fufu, is introduced gradually and contextualized through the characters’ experiences, allowing students to infer meanings naturally. While the text includes some idiomatic expressions, they are rooted in cultural context—like references to proverbs about rivers and ancestors—which teachers can use to spark discussions about storytelling traditions. Despite the lack of illustrations, vivid descriptions of Ghanaian landscapes and rituals create strong mental imagery, while the theme of perseverance against injustice invites connections to broader social issues. Recognized as an NPR Best Book of the Year and a Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award nominee, Flying Through Water balances educational value with gripping storytelling. Its unflinching yet age-appropriate portrayal of resilience makes it a standout choice for classroom libraries, particularly for units on global perspectives or social justice, where it can foster empathy and critical thinking through Sena’s transformative journey.
