How You Grow Wings

In this "unforgettable" novel for fans of Ibi Zoboi and Erika L. Sánchez (SLJ, starred review), two sisters in Nigeria are separated--one in the lap of luxury, the other fighting for a chance to thrive--in this award-winning novel where the line between family and foe is blurred.

Sisters Cheta and Zam couldn't be more different. Cheta, sharp-tongued and stubborn, never shies away from conflict--either at school or at home, where her mother fires abuse at her. Timid Zam escapes most of her mother's anger, skating under the radar and avoiding her sister whenever possible. In a turn of good fortune, Zam is invited to live with her aunt's family in the lap of luxury. Jealous, Cheta also leaves home, but to a harder existence that will drive her to terrible decisions. When the sisters are reunited, Zam alone will recognize just how far Cheta has fallen--and Cheta's fate will rest in Zam's hands. Debut author Rimma Onoseta deftly explores classism, colorism, cycles of abuse, how loyalty doesn't always come attached to love, and the messy truths that sometimes, family is not a source of comfort, and that morality is all shades of grey.

Kirkus Prize Finalist * Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year * An SLJ Best Book of the Year * A Children's Africana Book Award Honor Winner * A Rise: A Feminist Book Project honoree * A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year * Nautilus Silver Award Winner * Amazon August Editors' pick

RIMMA ONOSETA is a Nigerian writer whose work explores identity, familial bonds, and the colonial corruption of African spirituality. She holds a degree in Finance from Northeastern University and an MBA from Suffolk University. Onoseta grew up reading late into the night, under her covers, with a flashlight and snacks. She writes stories she wanted to read when she was younger, stories about young Nigerians girls who are chaotic and fierce, and who question what they're taught. When she's not writing, Onoseta enjoys traveling and watching documentaries.