An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller! From the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winning author Kwame Alexander, comes the first book in a searing, breathtaking trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family. In his village in Upper Kwanta, 11-year-old Kofi loves his family, playing  oware  with his grandfather and swimming in the river Offin. He’s warned though, to never go to the river at night.  His brother tells him ” There are things about the water you do not know . “  Like what?  Kofi asks. “ The beasts .” His brother answers.   One fateful night, the unthinkable happens and in a flash, Kofi’s world turns upside down. Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life and what happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.   This spellbinding novel by the author of  The Crossover  and  Booked  will take you on an unforgettable adventure that will open your eyes and break your heart.   The Door of No Return  is an excellent choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, book groups, and homeschooling.