Picture a Nigerian-American storyteller who conjured a magical world inspired by West African mythology—meet Tomi Adeyemi! At just 24, she burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Children of Blood and Bone, a young adult fantasy that snagged a seven-figure book deal and a movie adaptation. Her stories weave enchantment with sharp commentary on systemic racism, captivating readers worldwide.
Born to Nigerian immigrants, Adeyemi’s journey from a Chicago suburb to global acclaim is as inspiring as her tales. Her ability to blend Yoruba culture with gripping narratives has made her a trailblazer in Afrofuturism, inspiring young readers—especially Black girls—to see themselves as heroes.
The Making of Tomi Adeyemi
Born on August 1, 1993, in Chicago, Tomi Adeyemi grew up in a household where her Nigerian heritage was ever-present, though her parents didn’t teach her their native tongue. Her father, a physician in Nigeria, worked as a taxi driver in the U.S., while her mother took on cleaning jobs to support the family. A star student, Adeyemi earned scholarships and graduated from Harvard University with an honors degree in English Literature. A fellowship took her to Salvador, Brazil, where she studied West African mythology—sparking the idea for her breakout novel.
Before fame, Adeyemi faced skepticism from her parents when she left a stable job at a Los Angeles film production company to write. Undeterred, she poured her heart into her craft, driven by a desire to create stories where Black girls could shine as protagonists.
Tomi Adeyemi’s Unforgettable Stories
Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy is her crowning achievement, blending West African mythology with themes of systemic oppression. Children of Blood and Bone (2018) follows Zélie Adebola, a young maji fighting to restore magic in a kingdom that persecutes her kind. The novel, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Young Adult Bestseller List and won multiple awards, including the Hugo Lodestar Award.
The sequel, Children of Virtue and Vengeance (2019), continues Zélie’s quest as civil war looms, delving deeper into themes of power and sacrifice. The trilogy’s finale, Children of Anguish and Anarchy (2024), wraps up the saga with high-stakes battles and emotional depth. Adeyemi’s writing is vivid and cinematic, with lush world-building and complex characters who grapple with identity and justice.
Her stories resonate because they mirror real-world struggles—police brutality, racial inequality—while celebrating Yoruba culture. Adeyemi’s use of Yoruba incantations and deities, like the Orïsha, creates a magical backdrop that feels both ancient and fresh, earning her comparisons to J.K. Rowling, though she’s carved her own path.
Why Tomi Adeyemi Matters
Tomi Adeyemi’s impact transcends bookshelves. Her work has elevated Afrofuturism, bringing West African narratives to mainstream fantasy. By centering Black characters, she’s given young readers—especially Black girls—a mirror to see their strength and beauty. Her trilogy’s film adaptation, in development with Paramount Pictures, promises to amplify her vision further.
Adeyemi also inspires as a creative writing coach, teaching thousands through her online course, The Writer’s Roadmap. Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020, she’s a beacon for aspiring writers, proving that diverse voices can reshape storytelling.
About Tomi Adeyemi
- Birth Date: August 1, 1993
- Key Works: Children of Blood and Bone, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, Children of Anguish and Anarchy
- Awards: Hugo Lodestar Award (2019), Andre Norton Award (2018), Waterstones Book Prize (2019)
- Fun Fact: Her website, tomiadeyemi.com, is one of Writer’s Digest’s 101 Best Websites for Writers.
Snag Children of Blood and Bone and dive into Tomi Adeyemi’s spellbinding world of magic and courage!