Tomi Adeyemi

**Tomi Adeyemi** (born August 1, 1993) is a Nigerian-American author and creative director best known for her globally successful debut novel, *Children of Blood and Bone*, which launched her career as a prominent voice in young adult (YA) fantasy literature. Her work is celebrated for its deep engagement with West African mythology and its strong thematic focus on identity and social justice. **Early Life and Education** Adeyemi was born on August 1, 1993, in the United States to Yoruba parents who had emigrated from Nigeria. She is one of three children. Her parents initially faced economic challenges; her father, a physician in Nigeria, worked as a taxi driver while seeking to transfer his qualifications, and her mother worked as a cleaning woman. Adeyemi graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois in 2011. She went on to attend Harvard University, graduating with an honors degree in English Literature. Following her graduation, Adeyemi received a fellowship that allowed her to study West African mythology and culture in Salvador, Brazil, an experience that provided the crucial inspiration for her breakthrough novel. **Career Progression and Notable Works** After relocating to California, Adeyemi worked at a Los Angeles film production company. She subsequently dedicated herself to writing, a move that culminated in the publication of her first novel, *Children of Blood and Bone*, in March 2018. The book, which blends fantasy and West African mythology, was a monumental commercial success, debuting at number one on *The New York Times* Young Adult Hardcover Bestseller List. *Children of Blood and Bone* is the first installment in the *Legacy of Orïsha* trilogy. The second book, *Children of Virtue and Vengeance* (released in December 2019), also debuted at number one on *The New York Times* bestseller list, cementing Adeyemi’s status as a bestselling author. The final book in the trilogy, *Children of Anguish and Anarchy*, was released in June 2024 and also achieved the number one bestseller position. **Major Achievements and Current Status** Adeyemi has received significant critical acclaim for her work. Her notable awards include the Andre Norton Award (2018), the Lodestar Award (2019), and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (2019). In 2020, she was named one of the *Time 100* Most Influential People of the year. Beyond literary recognition, Adeyemi secured a major film adaptation deal for *Children of Blood and Bone* in 2017, with Paramount Pictures later attached to the project. Adeyemi currently resides in New York City, where she continues her work as a writer and creative director.