The girl who didn't shut up

This is the unforgettable story of a girl who yearns to study so she can find her voice and speak out for herself. The Girl Who Wouldn't Shut Up is a moving and triumphant tale about the power of fighting for your dreams.

Adunni was born and raised in a rural village in Nigeria. At fourteen, she is a commodity, a wife, a servant. But above all, she is smart, funny, and curious, with an infectious energy.

Adunni's mother told her that education is the only way to not be silenced—to not lose the ability to speak for herself and decide her own destiny. After her mother's death, the girl's father sells her to be the third wife of a man eager to have an heir.

Adunni manages to escape her arranged marriage, only to be sold to a wealthy family, whose service she must perform. But unlike so many other girls forced into a life of servitude, Adunni will not be silenced.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in her path, Adunni never loses sight of her goal of escaping the life she was born into so she can build the future she chooses for herself—and help other girls like her do the same.

In The Girl Who Wouldn't Shut Up , Adunni's determination to find joy and hope even in the most difficult circumstances inspires us to pursue our dreams... and maybe even change the world.

“Brave, invigorating... unforgettable.” — The New York Times Book Review

"I'm so excited about this book... In Nigeria and around the world, girls are fighting for their right to learn. I'm grateful to Abi for showcasing the challenges Nigerian women face and the power of their voices." — Malala Yousafzai

“Adunni’s original and courageous voice powerfully articulates a resounding rage against Africa’s toxic patriarchy… Daré draws the reader in with a vivid character whose dire circumstances contrast with her natural creativity and fierce will to survive… Throughout her harrowing coming-of-age journey, told with warmth and compassion, Adunni never loses the ‘soaring voice’ that makes Daré’s story and its protagonist so unforgettable.” — The New York Times Book Review

“Inspiring... Explores a spirit and hope that cannot be contained, even in the darkest circumstances.” — Entertainment Weekly

“Enlightening and heartwarming... With its moving story of one girl's struggle for an education, The Girl Who Wouldn't Shut Up brings into focus deep and relevant issues.” — BookPage