[6] Uwem Akpan was born and grew up in an Annang family in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Akpan grew up listening to Annang folktales told by his mother and grandparents, aunties and uncles.

His secondary education was at Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong, Abak, Akwa Ibom State.

He completed his studies and received a theology degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya.

[7] Akpan returned to the U.S. for graduate study, earning a MFA degree in 2006 at the University of Michigan.

The five short stories and novellas give voice to African children growing up in five different nations, in the face of incredible adversity.

[10] The book was ranked as one of the Best of the Year by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), People magazine, and other media.

"[12] The success of his book enabled Akpan to have numerous writing fellowships in the United States.