Witches: Finding Your Place in the (Magical) World

With many young adult novels typically comes a sub-plot about finding oneself. The teenage years are full of change and self-discovery; along with the tumultuous situations presented by puberty. In many of these stories, the protagonist is a school-age child who goes on some sort of journey, and when they finally find themselves, grow into someone more mature (but not quite yet an adult). In Akata Witch, author Nnedi Okorafor portrays this story of finding oneself through the lens of a magical world set in West Africa. By setting Sunny apart in every way possible (her accent, her looks, and even her magical heritage), Okorafor creates the perfect situation for Sunny to leave her frustrations behind in search of her true place in the world.

Similarly, the animated film Kiki's Delivery Service discusses this transition in the lens of another magical world. Although not as different as Sunny is from her peers, Kiki is alienated by being the only witch in an area where people are a lot less understanding about her kind. Kiki learns to be steadfast and believe in herself as she goes through the trials and tribulations of beginning "adulthood." She finds her place by Osono's bakery, and is often guided by her and Ursula.

Speaking of which, both forms of media portray this transition from frustrated child to well-adjusted teen with the help of a guide. Sunny has Anatov, and Kiki has both Osono and Ursula. Although these two characters are fully capable of handling themselves at the end of their stories, they would not have been able to get to that point without their mentors to show them the ropes of adulthood. 

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