Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi
Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone is one of the most-hyped young adult novels released in 2018, and with good reason. A fantasy novel intended to serve as a metaphor for modern-day racism, Adeyemi’s story has been praised repeatedly for its diversity and unflinching political commentary.
The story is set in the fantasy world of Orïsha, which is inspired by West African mythology. Our main character, Zélie Adebola, lost her mother and her magic when the king of Orïsha outlawed and destroyed magic years ago. But when Zélie discovers an object that might allow her to return magic to Orïsha, she knows she has to try — regardless of the danger.
The cover of Children of Blood and Bone is composed mostly of a gorgeous illustration of Zélie that emphasizes the white hair that represents her magic and the dark color of her skin. The world needs more stories and covers centered on people of color, and the inside and outside of Children of Blood and Bone continues to drive that point home.