You may know her as Rue from the 2012 hit film Hunger Games but Amandla Stenberg is more than a one-hit sensation. The 16-year-old has been collaborating with Sebastian Jones, and will soon present her new prose, Niobe, to the public.
“I’ve always loved fantasy, and I was immediately drawn to the way The Untamed captures magic and realism and grit simultaneously.” Amandla learned of Niobe while reading The Untamed: A Sinner’s Prayer that was created by Stranger Comics several years ago. It was then that she realized that she and the star character had similarities.
“I can see parallels, as well as attributes that I continually strive to bring forth in myself,” says Amandla. “I think Niobe is a wonderful, nuanced role model. I strive to stay grounded in my roots and spirituality like her, as well as defy gender roles and assert my own power and independence.”
Although the world of Asunda, in which Niobe resides, as well as the character’s struggles were already established by Stranger Comics, Stenberg has managed to create a new story that explores the main character in deeper depths. “What I brought was Niobe’s own personal perspective and experience growing up and becoming stronger and more independent. I outlined how Niobe comes to be that incredibly powerful heroine and warrior,” explains the star.
In addition to acting, Amandla serves as ambassador for No Kid Hungry. The charity effort seeks to bring an end to hunger in the United States. “Many would be surprised to know that more than 16 million kids in the U.S. struggle with hunger,” shares Stenberg. “Hunger is not an issue we can distance ourselves from—it doesn’t just exist in 3rd world countries. It’s right here in our neighborhoods.”
Niobe will make its debut in bookstores this spring.
