Efua Traoré – författare

THE TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEKSELECTED FOR THE 2025 READ FOR EMPATHY COLLECTION'HAUNTING' Abiola Bello'ADDICTIVE' JP Rose'MESMERISING' Lindsay Galvin'GRIPPING' Ayesha Harruna Attah'STUNNING' Alwyn Hamilton'THRILLING' Rachel FaturotiA supernatural thriller, blending African myth, friendship, romance and self-discovery from prize-winning author, Efua Traoré.Sixteen-year-old adopted Tara has questions – about who she is, where she belongs, why she dreams... When her nightmares darken, fears swarm like a flock of ravens and she traces her visions to the ancient Olumo Rock in Nigeria. It is a sacred place, full of magic, myth, and where whispers of the past linger.Travelling from England and enrolling in a boarding school at the foot of Olumo, Tara begins a journey to seek the truth of her roots and the spirits that pursue her.

In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simiis desperate to uncover a family secret ...WINNER OF THE TIMES/CHICKEN HOUSE CHILDREN'SFICTION COMPETITION 2019SHORTLISTED FOR THEWATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE 2022'A joy of a book:rich, warm, powerful storytelling' KATHERINERUNDELL'A thrilling adventurebright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria – glorious!' JASBINDERBILAN'An excellent book ... rich in tradition and realism.'HANNAH GOLD, AUTHOR OF THE LAST BEAR'[A] beautifully evoked story' THE TELEGRAPHCity girl Simi is sent to stay with her long-lost grandmotherin a remote Nigerian village. There's no TV, internet or phone. Nota single human-made sound can be heard at night, just the noiseof birds and animals rustling in the dark forest outside.Her witchlike grandmother dispenses advice and herbal medicineto the village, but she's tight lipped about their family history.Something must have happened, but what?Determined to find out, Simi disobeys her grandmother and goesexploring. Caught in the sinking red quicksand of a forbidden lake,her fantastical journey begins ... A richly imagined magical fantasy adventure set in WestAfrica by a prize-winning new voice in children’s writing.Introduces readers to Yoruba myths and legends whilstshowcasing the wealth of culture, traditions, adventure,fun, joy, celebrations, music, pride and love found inNigeria. Beautifully explores themes of grief and belonging.Efua is the winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize2018. More praise for Children of the Quicksands: 'Gorgeous ... an enthralling story' ABI ELPHINSTONE'[A] terrific debut novel' YABA BADOE'Traoré’s storytelling feels almost otherworldly... exhilarating' THE TIMES'A stunning debut' THE SCOTSMAN'Full of secrets and myths' THE OBSERVER

From the critically acclaimed author of Childrenof the Quicksands - shortlisted for the Waterstones Children'sBook Prize - comes a breathtaking magical adventure ...Kuki refuses to believe in the curse of the Abiku. Her destinyis not to die young!Her biggest problem right now is moving house and fitting in ather new school.One evening while exploring, Kuki spies a driveway lined withgiant palm trees. It leads to an abandoned beach house of shadowsand scattered sea shells. And in the fading light, she meets a girlcalled Enilo.They become friends – the best of friends.Until Kuki makes a terrifying discovery ... The second novel by Times/Chicken House Competition-winningEfua Traore, author of critically acclaimed Childrenof the QuicksandsA beautifully evoked middle-grade adventure set in theauthor’s native Nigeria and drawing from rich Yoruba mythologyA story about the power of female friendship over fearand superstition  PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS:'A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling'KATHERINE RUNDELL'A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours ofNigeria – glorious!' JASBINDER BILAN'[A] beautifully evoked story' THE TELEGRAPH'Traore's storytelling feels almost otherworldly ... exhilarating'THE TIMES

A heartwarming, exciting story of friendship, wonderand dance from Waterstones Prize-shortlisted author Efua Traoré! Jomi’s mum left when he was little to make a new life forthem in Lagos, the city of dreams. When Jomi doesn’t hearfrom her, he decides to follow. His only starting place is a TVdance competition that his mum used to love.Things go badly for the boy and his pet bushbaby, until he meetsa crew of street kids. Together, they come up with a one-chanceidea to find Jomi’s mother – and make their own dreamscome true. A brand new novel full of joy and wonder by the authorof Children of the Quicksands, shortlisted for the WaterstonesChildren’s Book PrizeSelected as The Times Children's Book of theYear 2023A contemporary adventure of destiny, friendship and danceset in the vibrant city of Lagos, NigeriaJomi hopes to find his missing mum by dancing on a TVtalent show in a story which offers emotional pull and a lot offun! PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS:‘A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling’KATHERINE RUNDELL‘A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous coloursof Nigeria – glorious!’ JASBINDER BILAN‘An excellent book … rich in tradition and realism.’HANNAH GOLD‘[A] beautifully evoked story’ THETELEGRAPH