Book Description
King Salmon has gone too far... Not only is he a loudmouth, no good, interrupting king, but now he's talking about MoHagani's mama! Even if it's only good things, that rowdy fish is going to pay--today. "MoHagani vs King Salmon" is an African American folktale influenced by Alaska Native and African storytelling traditions and set in Alaska with a rambunctiously modern twist. Set in the beautiful parks and waterways of Alaska every page is an in your face, high energy, unforgettable adventure made for audiences of all ages.
Reviews
BlueInk Review
STARRED REVIEW (Reviewed: January 2025)
M.C. MoHagani Magnetek’s unique comic-book-style picture book pits a human and fish in an over-the-top battle to the death to demonstrate the power of words.
An Alaska-based writer and anthropologist, MoHagani sets herself up as an unreliable narrator from the start by admitting she’s decided to “tell a lie about how I became King Salmon.” And with no one willing to listen to her story, she directly addresses readers with the statement, “I’m just gonna tell my story to you.”
What unfolds is a series of “yo’ mama” jokes, made by her adversary King Salmon who— “still salty from some drama...when he was a fry living in Salmon Creek”— calls MoHagani on the phone to taunt her, saying, “Yo’ Mama is soooo old she looks at her watch every time she hears Tik Tok.”
After he continues his jokes, ignoring her warnings to stop, MoHagani dives off the Douglas Bridge, then swims “142 miles to meet King Salmon at Port Alexander as soon as he left the North Pacific Ocean.” An epic tussle ensues, with punches, tail whipping, smacks, beat downs and reversals of fortune. Although MoHagani eventually emerges victorious, her win leads to an unforeseen outcome.
An Author Note explains, “Anthropologically speaking, Yo’ Mama jokes are deeply rooted in African American language and culture in which problems are solved with using our words...A good Yo’ Mama joke must be an exaggeration and delivered quickly while showcasing cleverness and originality.” All three qualities enrich this big-hearted tale with jokes that are surprisingly cruelty-free: “Yo’ Mama goes to college so she knooowwws that a quarterback is a refund.”
Janine Carrington’s vibrant illustrations of the exasperated yet persevering MoHagani and the snarky blowhard King Salmon pulse with energy and spirited conflict, and the book design immerses readers in the colorful Alaskan land- and ocean-scape.
An entertaining tale written in a conversational tone, this cultural celebration of Alaska Native storytelling and African American folktales is a multigenerational winner.
About the Author
M.C. MoHagani Magnetek (pronounced emcee mahogany magnetic) is the proud mom of Sade Adamu. Mrs. Magnetek is an amazing multi-talented individual with bachelor's degrees in Anthropology and English, plus an MFA in Creative Writing and Literary Arts. Right now, she’s diving into her Ph.D. studies in Historical Archaeology, Museology, and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Her published works include "Shhh! Be Quiet" Building Fires in the Snow (2016). "Acrimonious Black Woman Sparks Climate Change Debate with the President" Alaska Women Speak (Spring, 2019). Her novel, "The Mad Fantastic, 2098" (2020). Her play is "for colored ladies who have considered pull-tabs with their last two dollars" (2021). "Death by a Thousand Kisses: A Ms. Mahogany Bones Murder Mystery" Alaska Women Speak (2021). "That One Magnetek Time I Jumped Over Five Cars" Wheels on Ice: Stories of Cycling in Alaska (2022). "Not an Easy Read for "Normal" "Colored" People: Conversations on Shange's and Rooney's Literatures of Sexual Citizenship"; Palgrave Handbook of Reproductive Justice and Literature (2022). A play titled, "Ms. Mahogany and the Case of the Microphone Rapist" Obsidian: Literature and Arts in the African Diaspora Journal Issue 48.2 (2023). Falling Star, Make a Wish: Gumbo Cirque Journal Vol. 13 #2 (2023) and "Running Towards Self in Wiseman," Alaska Forum Magazine (2023).
​
MoHagani is not just a student; she’s a vibrant writer, poet, mistress of ceremonies, museum curator, and martial artist. She’s also the creative force behind Edutainment Nite Publishing, where she serves as founder and publisher. As a Coast Guard veteran and passionate community organizer, MoHagani advocates for mental wellness and human rights. She’s often celebrated as the undisputed people's champ because she truly believes in the healing power of poetry.
​
Currently, she’s on a journey to get her life together while enjoying roller skating and practicing Kung Fu in Alaska with her lovely wife, Juanita. Frying fish is MoHagani’s favorite pastime.
