ABSTRACT
Nnedi Okorafor’s science fiction novel Lagoon is a first-contact narrative exploring the potential impact of technological aliens arriving in Lagos, Nigeria, and their merging with its inhabitants—not only human but also animal—which provides each creature with enhanced abilities. The novel offers different animal representations that shy away from the anthropomorphic characterizations that are common in fiction and promotes animal individuality, which can be seen as a tool used by the author to equalize human and animal experiences. These representations allow teachers to use Lagoon as a basis for exploring animal agency in the real world and the current relationship between human and non-human animals. This chapter proposes several exercises through which students can build their critical thinking in relation to animal ethics and the treatment of animals.
