“Why will I fill up the world with sad childrens that are not having a chance to go to school? Why make the world to be one big, sad, silent place because all the childrens are not having a voice?“–Abi Dare, The Girl with the Louding Voice

This is an inspiring story that is difficult to read at times because of the tragic and impossible circumstances many Nigerian girls and women find themselves in. Adduni, a teenaged girl in Nigeria, desperately wants an education so she can find her “louding voice” and be heard. She has only known poverty but is determined to find a better life for herself and others. Her journey has many obstacles and her trust in the wrong people places her in abusive and dangerous situations. Despite so many things going wrong, Adduni keeps her hope and optimism and in reaching for her dream, encourages all of us to keep reaching for what matters most in our lives. Abi Dare’s powerful debut novel will break your heart but then picks up the pieces to create a more resilient, empathetic, and hopeful heart. Adduni is my hero.

Content Advisory: Language, enslavement, abuse, sexual assault