Aya: Life in Yop City

In sun-drenched Yop City—Ivory Coast’s shimmering oasis of stability in 1978—sharp-minded Aya balances her dreams of university with the electric pulse of bustling markets and humming storefronts, while her best friends Adjoua and Bintou chart their own paths through laughter-filled hair salons and spirited dance halls. As they negotiate meddling relatives and neighborhood gossip, their clear-eyed independence and collective determination illuminate the vibrant power of Gender Equality, showing classrooms, youth groups, and faith-based circles how young women can rewrite expectations far beyond traditional roles. Clément Oubrerie’s warm, kinetic panels breathe life into Marguerite Abouet’s breezy, wry prose—each frame a mosaic of pastel buildings and spirited street scenes—turning everyday moments into lessons on Cultural Understanding and the importance of shared heritage. This acclaimed graphic saga—winner of Angoulême’s Best First Album, the Children’s Africana Book Award, and the Glyph Award—invites educators and students to explore postcolonial African history through the laughter, struggles, and triumphs of three unforgettable friends. Tap the Save to List button to bookmark this title, or tap the External Link button to view purchase and rental options.