Finding Tola

In Finding Tola: Escaping the Hood, fifteen-year-old Tola Matthews stands at the crossroads of boyhood and manhood. Life in the village of Dlambona is changing-fast. Tola and his closest friends, Balisa and Zach, are newly minted young men after completing the painful rite of passage that binds them together for life. But while the boys are eager to prove themselves, Tola soon discovers that real manhood requires far more than bravery with a spear or skill in intonga, the traditional African art of stick fighting.

Trouble rises when Tola's younger sister, Lindi, secretly trains under a mysterious female stick-fighter from the Shanla clan-an act that sparks tension, challenges tradition, and forces the Matthews family to confront old wounds. At the same time, whispers spread through Ilanga that The Future, the violent rebel group that once kidnapped Tola and his teammates, may be returning. Shadows of the past creep back into the present, threatening not only Tola, but the fragile peace of his village.

As danger closes in, Tola must balance loyalty, family expectations, cultural identity, and his growing feelings for Pumla, the girl who always seems to see deeper into him than he expects. When courage is tested and the past refuses to stay buried, Tola learns that becoming a man is not about dominance or fearlessness-it is about wisdom, restraint, and protecting those you love, even when your voice shakes.

Rich with African culture, family strength, humour, faith, and coming-of-age challenges, this compelling adventure continues the Tola Matthews Series with heart-pounding action and emotional depth. Perfect for middle grade and young adult readers, especially boys navigating their own path toward leadership, identity, and responsibility.