 Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi ISBN: 978-1250170972 Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Copyright Date: 2018 Reading Age: 14-18 Reading Level: Grades 9-12 Awards: William C. Morris Debut YA Award, Audie Award, Goodreads Choice Awards Best Debut Goodreads Author, Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Subgenre: High Fantasy Plot Summary Children of Blood and Bone is the first book in a trilogy. Book two, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, was released in 2019. The third book in the Legacy of Orisha series was originally set to be published in 2021 but does not, as yet, have a release date—or a title. This epic fantasy story is about a girl whose mother was killed because she was a maji. The maji, people of magic with white hair, have been targeted and murdered and their power taken away. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie Adebola begins on a quest to bring magic back—as long as they can outrun the prince who aims to destroy all magic permanently. Critical Evaluation Children of Blood and Bone has the world building of high fantasy, but builds it on top of the mythology of West Africa. It also incorporates modern issues like police killings and the politics of black hair though couched in a magical world. Themes are are approachable to teen readership and the allegories easy to ascertain. It also reexamines the wizard school trope, asking what it would be like to be hunted and feared instead of feeling chosen. Because this high fantasy story introduces the mythology of West Africa, the story can be challenging for those who are used to a more European folk tradition. That challenge is welcome, as it brings in concepts that may be new to many readers of fantasy. It follows the format of the hero's journey but includes situations fans of themes of racism and how discrimination weakens a country. While there was some criticism that this book was too long, the majority of readers felt the pacing was just right for the story. The writing is punchy though detailed and keeps the reader engaged. Reader’s Annotation This epic high fantasy story introduces the mythology of West Africa and introduces complex Black characters. This hero's journey includes situations fans of fantasy will expect but also investigates racism and how discrimination weakens a country.  About the Author Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American writer and creative writing coach based in San Diego, California. Her debut novel, CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, came out March 6th, 2018 and the movie is currently in development at Fox with the producers of Twilight and The Maze Runner attached. After graduating Harvard University with an honors degree in English literature, she received a fellowship that allowed her to study West African mythology and culture in Salvador, Brazil. When she’s not working on her novels or watching Scandal, she can be found blogging and teaching creative writing to her 3,500 subscribers at tomiadeyemi.com. Her website has been named one of the 101 best websites for writers by Writer’s Digest. (About information found here. Author photo linked in image.) Booktalking Ideas Adeyemi's book is soon to be made into a movie. Discuss which parts have to be included. Do you feel the world building really added to the story? Discuss how intricate this high fantasy world is. Challenge issues: violence
Challenge Issue Resources: Nevada County Library Selection Policy Selection of materials is based upon a number of criteria that include:
The Library selects materials in accordance with the guidelines stated by the American Library Association in its Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read Statement and Freedom to View Statements. The Library supports diversity of expression and views in its collection in an attempt to provide patrons with a foundation for making informed decisions and formulating personal opinions. The Library does not exclude items because of the race, nationality, social, political, or religious views of the authors. The presence of controversial materials in the collection does not represent the Library’s endorsement of the opinions expressed therein. Although some materials selected may contain language and/or illustrations that may be offensive to some patrons, the Library cannot undertake the task of pleasing all individuals by censoring such items. Active Listening Skills Staff should listen calmly to the patron’s concerns without judgement or commentary. They should acknowledge the public’s right to challenge materials and help the patron find an alternative item that will fit their needs. Nevada County Library Reconsideration form Any citizen may challenge materials. If the citizen chooses to submit a written Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials, Library staff will collect reviews and accumulate data on how the material conforms to the selection policy. An ad hoc review committee consisting of the Library Director, Branch Manager, one other librarian, and a citizen appointed at the discretion of the Library Director will review the material, judge whether it conforms to the Selection Policy and submit its report in writing to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. Concerned parties will be notified of the final decision in writing. ALA Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials ALA Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. Why Included There are a lot of high fantasy novels with a European folklore foundation. Children of Blood and Bone has the world building of high fantasy, but builds it on top of the mythology of West Africa. It also incorporates modern issues like police killings and the politics of black hair. Couched in a magical world, these themes are brought forth in a way that is compelling to examine. It also stands the wizard school trope on its head since the book's students are taught to hate what makes them magical. It is an interesting, challenging read for teens who love magic and fantasy. |