Chibundu Onuzo is a Nigerian author from one of the world’s largest and most vibrant cities. It’s the subject of her first novel, Welcome to Lagos. Plus, Chicago writer Abby Geni has always been in love with the outdoors. But her second novel, The Wildlands, is about nature’s darker side and one Oklahoma family’s struggle to survive.

On The 21st: Connie Barr shares her story of learning her father received a Purple Heart for his service in World War Two and we hear about Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs' work reuniting families with long lost military medals. Plus, as the state celebrates its bicentennial, there’s a new contest to name Illinois’s greatest book. What are some of the titles in the running? But first, we speak to Nigerian author Chibundu Onuzo about her new book and first U.S. release, "Welcome to Lagos."