Reviewed by Jaye Winmilawe
Review Source: Africa Access
Book Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Adeyemi’s ashe or power as a writer is expressed in the success of her debut novel Children of Blood and Bone. She was awarded a groundbreaking seven figure YA book contract and a movie deal, at 23 years old. The book has been well received, note the numerous reviews and the NY Times Best Sellers listing for over 34 weeks (presently). So, what new could another reviewer say about this work?
Not many can assess its representation of African Yoruba Orisha culture, history, diaspora, and modernity. Thus, since I am a scholar, children’s book author, and priest of the Orisha (Yoruba and Africa), it’s fair that I chime in. My own questions about this book upon it’s March 2018 launch were: 1. How does it represent Africa and the African Diaspora? 2. How does it represent the Orisha (Orisa) and Yoruba? 3. Is this book appropriate for my elementary school-aged children and/or their library? Continue reading.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Published by Henry Holt and Company (BYR) on March 6, 2018
Genres: Fables, Folklore, Racism, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Pages: 544
Reading Level: High School
ISBN: 9781250170972
Review Source: Africa Access
With five starred reviews, Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy debut, and instant #1 New York Times Bestseller, conjures a world of magic and danger, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir.
They killed my mother.They took our magic.They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.
"A phenomenon." —Entertainment Weekly
“The epic I’ve been waiting for.” —New York Times-bestselling author Marie Lu
“You will be changed. You will be ready to rise up and reclaim your own magic!” —New York Times-bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton
“The next big thing in literature and film.” —Ebony
“One of the biggest young adult fiction debut book deals of theyear.” —Teen Vogue
This title has Common Core connections.#1 New York Times bestseller, March 14, 2018
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