Adunni Dares to Dream by Taiwo I Ajao

Hey, guys! I have an awesome children’s book to show you guys today!

Adunni Dares to Dream is the story of a poor African girl who dared to be different and redefine what it means to be an African female. Adunni came from a nice family, but because she was a girl, she was expected to just be pretty, get married, and be a mother for the rest of her life. However, Adunni didn’t want that for her life. Adunni’s dreams for her life came with some scolding from her peers, but she also wound up inspiring other people to follow their dreams and challenge societal norms as well. 

What I love about this story is the fact that it has such a deep meaning and profound lesson, but it is written in such a simplistic way that anyone can read and enjoy it. I always appreciate books like that.

Still not sure about the book? Check out this guest post from the book’s author, Taiwo I Ajao:

Apart from being an inspirational story about an amazing person, “Adunni Dares to Dream” also celebrates culture. It is a book that anyone can enjoy and relate to but there are some particular morsels that you will identify with especially if you are African…especially if you are Nigerian…especially if you are Yoruba…especially if you are Ondo…and most especially if you are of St Louis Secondary School.

The book is set in Ondo Town and with the college of note being St Louis Secondary School.

One thing that sets the book apart is the clever use of the Ondo language. Rashidat Raji of #Her. Gist was kind enough to lend her exceptional language skills. She added the Ondo translations in certain parts with such skill that you don’t need to speak the language to understand what is going on within the context of the story. Just in case, the book also has an appendix with the English meanings of the Ondo phrases.

We are proud to be able to showcase elements of this culture in a product created on the world stage with international standards.

Anyhow, wherever you come from, there’s a lot in this project to be proud of.


Dr Ajao