Tola Okogwu Books In Order

Publication Order of Daddy Do My Hair? Books

Publication Order of Onyeka Books

Publication Order of Picture Books

Tọlá Okogwu
Tọlá Okogwu is a British Nigerian journalist, author, and hair care educator. She was born in Nigeria yet grew up in London, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism.

Having spent several years exploring the world of hair care, blogging, and freelance writing, she finally returned back to her first love of fiction.

Tọlá is a lover of music and an avid reader, she is also a sucker for melted cheese.

She believes that it is important for kids to read books which are reflective of their own experiences, as well as other cultures and tries to create these opportunities through her books and her wider writing.

Tọlá’s “Daddy Do My Hair” picture book series were inspired by the relationship between her husband and daughters and are designed to celebrate the special bond between child and dad, whilst also showcasing the beauty of Afro textured hair.

“Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun” is the first novel in the “Onyeka” series and was released in 2022. A middle grade adventure about one British Nigerian girl that learns that her Afro hair has got psychokinetic powers.

Onyeka has got a lot of hair, the kind that makes strangers stop dead in the street and her peers whisper behind her back. At least she’s got Cheyenne (her best friend), who could not care less what other people think. Onyeka still has always felt insecure about her vibrant curls, up until the day that Cheyenne almost drowns and Onyeka’s hair takes on a life of its own, inexplicably pulling Cheyenne out of the water.

Back home, Onyeka’s mom tells her about the shocking truth: Onyeka’s psychokinetic powers make her a Solari, which is one of a secret group of people with superpowers unique to Nigeria. Her mom rapidly whisks her off to the Academy of the Sun, this school in Nigeria where Solari get trained. However Onyeka and her new buddies at the academy quickly need to put their powers to the test while they find themselves getting embroiled in a momentous battle between lies and truth.

“Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun” was the June 2022 Waterstones Book of the Month and was a winner of the 2023 Children’s Africana Book Award for Older Readers. It was also name a ALSC Notable Children’s Recording and was shortlisted for the British Book Awards as well as the inaugural The Week Junior Children’s Book Awards.

“Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels” is the second novel in the “Onyeka” series and was released in 2023. Onyeka and her super powered friends are racing against the clock to save themselves and the Solari.

Onyeka and her superhero buddies are on the run. Having exposed Dr. Doyinbo’s hidden agenda behind the Academy of the Sun, they are living as fugitives, just laying low while they attempt to figure out what their next move is going to be. Despite their best efforts, Onyeka’s parents are still missing at the moment, and students at the Academy are still in danger.

However once their safe house gets found, Onyeka has to turn to the only allies that they have left: this group of rebels known as the Rogues. Joining forces, are the groups going to defeat their shared nemesis, or could there be a new danger on the horizon?

“Onyeka and the Secret Superhero” is the third novel in the “Onyeka” series and was released in 2024. Onyeka (twelve years old) is enrolled at the Academy of the Sun, this school for superheroes called Solari. When she gets sent off on this mission with her friends to investigate the series of freak incidents in this remote village, they are not expecting to find this top secret Solari with extraordinary superpowers there.

However is this new Solari a friend or a foe? There is just one way for Onyeka to learn the truth.

“Onyeka and the Heroes of the Dawn” is the fourth novel in the “Onyeka” series and was released in 2024. Solari have always been native to Nigeria, however Onyeka and her friends have been alerted to one that is hidden in England. Tasked with retrieving this young Solari, they successfully complete their mission, arriving safe and sound back at the Academy of the Sun with Tobi in tow.

Tobi’s superpower and identity stay a mystery, up until this breadcrumb trail leads Onyeka right to the truth. However somebody else has also discovered this secret, and unlike Onyeka, they do not have Tobi’s best interests at heart. Can our superhero possibly save the day once more?

“Daddy Do My Hair” is a picture book in the “Daddy Do My Hair” series that was released in 2022. It is the night before School Picture Day and Beth would like a brand new hairdo. Join Beth and Daddy on this wonderful hair adventure in a heart-warming depiction of the quality time spent between child and parent.

This joyful rhyming text has been paired with beautiful and bold illustrations from Chante Timothy. Even includes hair care tips for Afro hair from the author.

“Deji’s Haircut” is a picture book in the “Daddy Do My Hair” series that was released in 2023. It is the morning of Nana’s wedding, and Deji and Daddy both need haircuts immediately. Join them both on a race against the clock in order to make sure they each look slick in time to walk Nana down the aisle.

This tale features a heart warming and fun depiction of the quality time spent between child and parent.

“Bekah and the Moon” is a non-fiction book that was released in 2024. Bekah loves the moon, and knows that the moon loves her back. Every night, when strange noises or shadows frighten her, she’s visited by Luna, who bathes the room in moonlight and chases her fears away.

However while Luna shows up less and less, Bekah begins doubting whether or not her love was ever real. Luna returns, and Bekah learns that even when somebody can’t always be by your side, their love never leaves you.