Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone Is an Epic Allegory About the Black Experience

Tonight Show Summer Reads winner, 24-year-old author Tomi Adeyemi, tells Jimmy about the inspiration behind her New York Times best-seller, Children of Blood and Bone.
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Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone Is an Epic Allegory About the Black Experience
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[@dharmabeeharilal2332]

Jimmy is one of the only late night hosts who gives authors the chance to come out and speak about their works. High praise to him, especially for bringing such an amazing YA author on the show!

[@pierrebosco2216]

Shut up Big shit

[@emilianocollazo8363]

@@pierrebosco2216 Excuse me?

[@jellybaby230]

@Pierre Bosco umm nobody asked

[@tarafarrell46]

crap she's 24, I only have 7 months to write a book so I'm not a failure

[@mayfia]

Tara Farrell mood

[@insufferableknowitall4998]

Mayfia good luck!!! 💛🙌🏽✌🏽

[@sozuruQ2]

Tara Farrell no need to rush yourself you are never a failure. 💖

[@madisonvava8342]

AND get a 7 figure movie deal before I even finish my manuscript.. like HOW?!

[@pokocrow]

Good luck!

[@bookishsophia]

dude, she's so effortlessly funny and cool. YES

[@mybirthwrite]

I know, right?? I wanna be friends with her.

[@idealgrrrl]

I just started Wednesday!

[@saturnstar792]

aww, shes so cute and excited. im reading this book now and its really good

[@brandonsings9514]

Catallena where can I find it?

[@yeojinsworld2795]

@@brandonsings9514 ask your reading teacher, they could probably help.

[@yessir.7937]

@@brandonsings9514 Library... bookstores... online stores that have books... how do you not know how you can get a book..?

[@goldensilenceakagoldielove133]

@@yessir.7937 😄😄😄 YOU are cracking me up! 😄

[@oofnugget_weeb9212]

Ikr I love it

[@Lewislandofficial]

On point with the Nigerian parents expectations!!

[@RoyallyPrincess]

I'm Nigerian and studying to become a doctor. I know all too well what she's talking about. I've already read her book and I'm planning on re-reading it. 🇳🇬

[@AngBQueenAdwoasCloset]

I’ve read this book and its AMAZING! SO great to find an exciting AND diverse book in an otherwise culturally stale world of scifi .. Can’t wait to read the sequel!

[@RPlaza-ht9gp]

The gag is it’s not Sci-Fi it’s based on Yoruba-Santeria. Her characters are based on that faith/spirituality. Literally an entire faith one that’s very embedded in my culture.

[@RPlaza-ht9gp]

Kat Relax we can have different opinions without calling people names. It IS Diverse in that it speaks of many peoples in Africa. The main characters are African which is rare in popular novels it is even more rare for a Black author to get this kind of recognition.

[@m.a.2658]

Kat First of all you’re being VERY aggressive for no reason and I’ll admit I haven’t read the book but, (and I’m sure you won’t hesitate to correct me if I’m wrong) there is a princess character no? Therefore it does have diversity by showing people of different classes. Since you insist on picking apart people’s words and being both dogmatic and pedantic as well as quarrelsome, at least be right when you do so.

[@RPlaza-ht9gp]

Kat : the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety; especially : the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) DIFFERENT CULTURES AS IN DIFFERENT TRIBES IN AFRICA COMPRISING OF DIFFERENT SKIN TONES DIALECTS AND BELIEFS. EACH TRIBE IN THE BOOK IS DIFFERENT AND THEREFORE IT IS DIVERSE .BEFORE YOU CALL SOMEONE AN IDIOT LEARN TO READ.NOW IM GONNA SIT HERE WITH MY TWO COLLEGE DEGREES AND GO ABOUT MY LIFE. HAVE A GOOD ONE SWEETIE.

[@damanibaraka7896]

Kat Don't get ugly now.

[@pankajraj3817]

Loved the book. Black girl magic realness. 😍

[@sirewn4739]

Factsss ✨

[@its_tru]

She's gorgeous😍

[@bigdezol]

This book was such a good read. The character development, the storytelling, the symbolism, everything.

[@annapaulinamedinacastillo6160]

Speechless because of her beauty

[@EnnyOwl]

Nigeria represent 🙌🏾✨

[@Gaspavelli]

She. Is. Absolutely. Stunning.

[@sumared]

I can feel the Black Girl Magic 😍✨

[@thenewyorkbookshelf7047]

Jimmy is really branching out I love that he is giving support to wonderful women of the book industry

[@kaysimmons3788]

I am so happy for her!!! But Father God...please let them cast black people in this movie. Don’t look at me like that! You know what I’m talking about. Or better yet, I’ll do you one better; Father God please let Zélie and Amari be actual dark skin girls. PLEASE! I’m willing to bet my signed copy of Kingdom of Ash that they are going to ask Amandla Steinberg as Zélie (because whenever they need a black girl in a movie they always cast her. Keep in mind that she’s not a dark skin)

[@reycarter6284]

Amen oh

[@myamontgomery3000]

All the characters in the book are black sooo..... if they don't have a completely black cast in a movie inspired by West African gods and goddesses then it would be a pointless ass movie tbh. And there's no way black twitter would let them survive if they didn't have tons of dark skin actors to play these beautifully written dark skin characters.

[@toe708]

Amandla herself said the same thing and would you believe Black women actually got mad at her about it

[@m.joiw7]

Kay Simmons I don't think Tomi will allow that to happen. Much of her ambition is based on representation. 🤞🏾

[@lacecocoa6272]

Kay Simmons facts I feel the same way

[@viola7052]

I love seeing writers/authors on late night shows! That cover is gorgeous and the story sounds amazing, especially as a fantasy lover, I've never read a fantasy book set in Africa

[@lacecocoa6272]

She's beautiful and remember black is light, caremal and dark skin....and afro Latino,afro Arab, African American and African is all black no matter where you are in the diaspora 😘😘

[@littlegothgirl8869]

Black isn't just about skin color but about African lineage.

[@maplelu9514]

@@littlegothgirl8869 well yeah i think thats goes without saying hence the AFRO/AFRICAN

[@Goonztz]

@@littlegothgirl8869 no duh

[@jameeljohnson6504]

My 5th grade class is listening to this audiobook, and they LOVE IT! They beg to keep listening after every chapter. I love this as a nerd and a black educator! What a talented young woman she is! Can't wait to read the next book!

[@MsJai_1]

Yessss, you better do that, sis!!! #NigeriaStandUp 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@EmmaLemin765]

This book is one of the best of 2018. I can’t believe I get to meet this glorious woman on Saturday 🙌🏻

[@Blaquebarbgamer]

Wedges of Lemon I bet she was so nice.

[@groovyangel29]

I am Nigerian and I am a Doctor .lol

[@winkytee897]

Monica Jones That's awesome and random 😂

[@manguy2000]

my girlfriend is also Nigerian and a nurse at Johns Hopkins lol

[@nikeljoe5341]

Monica Jones me too! 😂

[@adejiireodogiyon6494]

Monica Jones lol so am I. But I totally get what she said

[@Chaos-Retribution]

Then please go back to your country a fix it and leave the west alone. So tired of you foreigners

[@annapaulinamedinacastillo6160]

did you draw it? no. haha shes hilarious

[@tajhxo7015]

She deserves all the good things! Incredible to see an author on a show like this let alone a Black woman. What a time to be alive ❤️

[@oseremeee]

I'm so happy for her. She deserves the great things in life. Thanks for giving me something I didn't even know I was looking for.

[@JessiArioso]

Brazil sends you love, Tomi.

[@tapsirusaccoh3286]

Jéssica FA Africans love brazen

[@allsmiles7400]

This book impacted me in a way a book never has. Absolutely my favorite book and that is saying so much. It's incredible and makes me so proud to be a girl who is black and African. She's incredible and I CANNOT WAIT for the second book in this trilogy. I pray for so many blessings to go her way. She's giving voices to characters I never get to experience and see in my day to day life as a teenager growing up in America. I'm so happy to see black superheroes emerge and share their light on me in my lifetime even though I'm still young. Thank you Ms. Adeyemi for sharing this with your readers. You have changed my view on fantasy reading forever.

[@JustJRR]

Naija no de carry last o 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@randomperson7008]

yessss

[@rukeo.1856]

TheOtherFWord yassss✨✨

[@grimoneus]

I have GOT to read this novel ASAP. Afro-centric science fiction is an unfortunate rarity and should be lauded whenever it appears!

[@shreyaprince6999]

This book was so good and she is so amazing and this made my heart SO HAPPY!!! Go Tomi 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@twixotic04]

If anyone loved Avatar the Last Airbender, this is a must read!! Basically African Avatar XD

[@K.YouTube2]

palmtrees101 I legit just said the same thing!YESSS

[@K.YouTube2]

Henna Royals Yeah no one is denying that BUT the plot(organization of the story) is similar. Even some of the characters and their storylines eg Prince Inan and Prince Zuko. Its not to denegrate or take away from her story AT ALL. It is similar tho. Nothing to be annoyed by. Two GREAT SERIES. It's norhing like Black Panther tho which she herself said was like Black Panther with magic. People just make similarities to highten expectations. BP was popular so her likening it to BP is a good marketing ploy but far from the truth. No hate tho just saying. Thats the publishing game.

[@twixotic04]

Henna Royals she literally blatantly said avatar was one her inspirations. It's in an interview. Both can be true you know.

[@twixotic04]

Kandice T yea also she literally said avatar was an inspiration!! Inan and zellie = zutara too loll. I think i read on tumblr someone said she admitted that.

[@reycarter6284]

bitch what! I'm so hyped now !

[@GlareBoxTV]

Children of Blood and Bone will be hopefully spark a new wave of African-themed movies like Amanirenas, Daughters of Nri, Kingdom of Souls, Tales of Esowon:The Kishi, The Rage of Dragons, Who Fears Death and Black Leopard Red Wolf.

[@nmtlnm]

Thanks for the list.

[@gloria9157]

I just saw a Yoruba name and I clicked

[@ShivamSingh-qz3kh]

U r RACIST

[@gloria9157]

@@ShivamSingh-qz3kh Yoruba is not a race it's an ethnicity. So try again

[@justhuman1722]

@@ShivamSingh-qz3kh asper how 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@esmeralda9712]

@@ShivamSingh-qz3kh it’s not a race😐

[@outeast999]

Just came to say the audiobook is kinda sorta seriously fcking awesome. So if you like audiobooks...

[@ShawtyArabia]

Paul Farrington-Douglas I just bought it and I’m only in chapter three but it has me locked in!!

[@goldensilenceakagoldielove133]

AGREED! I'm listening to the audiobook. The narration is just as awesome as the story! Bahni Turpin narrates: Bahni Turpin g.co/kgs/h2fPjJ

[@sanityisoverrated6705]

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Over my summer break when this first came out I was reading 100 pages a day. And now, going into 8th grade, I just started reading the second book, Children of Virtue and Vengeance. This series without a doubt, is a piece of art!

[@joelman1989]

Everyone hates on Jimmy for his exaggerated laugh but he has a way of making his guests feel funny and special and in 2021 I just think we need a little more of that.

[@nimoali270]

Her and her brother (Tobi Lou) are some geniuses🌠

[@DE-hi9mc]

Beauty with brains,class and substance.Smooth dark skin black woman. Polished,well spoken, and she's 24,and she's NY bestseller already on her very first book? And more books are on the way already,wow. And Disney are making this into a movie? Damn. That's HUGE! This is what we are taking about. Am not shocked or surprised it's a Nigerian that did it again. Am tired of us, but I love and cherish my people. God bless my people and Nigeria. We are GREAT! no matter what they think or say about us.

[@neonnknightt7246]

I can’t put this book down! Yes. I’m late to the party.

[@dezsoleil]

This should be a must read in middle school. It's was such a source of inspiration and motivation (as an adult). I cried at the end from the sheer beauty and power Tomi was able to express through this novel. Bravo Tomi. Bravo to you parents also. I can't wait for the movie

[@justvynexa]

Tomi is adorable and a Goddess! I’m so excited to see what she will be doing in these next five years. I will always support this beautiful woman!

[@wooden_girl]

my fav author

[@jonathanfils-aime1033]

I love the way she talks about writing and how her story came to be, this is exactly how stories come to my head

[@Queentingz321]

her hair 😍

[@namlmao4196]

"It's like we were fighting for the little version of ourselves." omg i just got my copy of the book and it's too precious to open it so all i do is just smell the pages. but i know i'll read it soon. like later. love her already 😍

[@toreneb.9976]

I read her book and I would like to say that her book was AMAZING!!!! I’m so excited for book two! You got this girl!

[@MikeBeatz2007]

Torene B. New book is out now!!! Children of Virtue and Vengeance

[@princesspopsicle_]

She’s so cute I love her and I can’t wait for the second book cause the first one had me SHOOK

[@justblushapril3799]

this made me happy😆

[@kw11xox65]

African Queen right there. Proud. I loving seeing this

[@LucaMatoke]

I am an author from Kenya, East Africa. One thing, I've been inspired. Thanks Tomi.

[@jakeproz]

Children of Blood and Bone actually inspired me to start writing stuff cause i thought the idea was so interesting, its like how can you take such a simple idea and make it so good?

[@ona907]

I relate to her so hard! she’s such an inspiration she’s so talented! Black girl magic for realllll

[@mybirthwrite]

She's literally the chillest and cutest human alive. I *love* seeing YA authors on talk shows, omg!

[@NellieKAdaba]

Nigerian, I knew it. I'm happy for her.

[@charleneraymond4036]

Praying for the day my library has this book! (Would definitely buy it if I had the money lol)

[@viola7052]

Charlene Raymond if you're interested in ebooks, you could check your library's ebook collection! I check out ebooks from my library (through overdrive app)

[@jessicathornton6598]

you can try requesting it, too!

[@Kincaid2576]

Hey Charlene I have an extra copy of your like. I’d be more than happy to send it to you.

[@charleneraymond4036]

Kincaid2576 Talk about faith in humanity restored! That's so sweet! But I live in the UK & I'm assuming you're American so the cost of that may be a tad high lol!. Maybe you have a friend or school/library nearby that you can donate it to! Thanks though, that made me smile! x

[@Kincaid2576]

I couldn't possibly sum up the amount of favor I've been shown in my lifetime to explain to you, how much of a pleasure it would be to share the book with someone who really wants to read it. The extra copy came from someone who knew I would appreciate and enjoy the book. When I said I already read it they told me what we say in my circle, pay it forward. It is absolutely no problem!

[@314am9]

This book means so much to me. I love reading so so much and after years of reading books with 0 relateable p.o.c this book was like the jackpot for lack of better words. I’ve never read a book from any library with someone who looks like me on the cover.. i’m glad this was the first. Hopefully they do Zélie’s story justice in the movie!

[@hellothere2464]

This book reminds me a lot of Avatar: The Last Airbender which was and still is a phenomenal show.

[@andrealongmore7568]

Yes. Omg. I agree❤️‍🔥

[@CincoMariposas]

What she was given was a vision. She had the gift of storytelling for that vision. Veil was lifted. Asé

[@TheReviewLabOfficial]

Gives us authors inspirational motivation to get our books done.

[@ryannehelms3260]

I'm currently reading this and now seeing her makes me love it even more. Her personality seems so bright and contagious! ❤

[@sneha7910]

I’ve read this book and I loved it. Congrats Tomi!! Hats off to Jimmy for bringing an amazing author into your show!!

[@TheeRighteousOnee]

She's so beautiful. Damn! 😍

[@memoirsofanimperfectbaritone]

So great to see Nigerian’s shining🌟🙌🏾

[@trixysmama6525]

I actually just finished the book today and I am IN LOVE I'm so excited for the movie but i hope they do it justice 🤞❤

[@hydelover75]

My Queen 👸🏽🙌🏾🙌🏾💕 omg am so excited and over here crying, am so glad it’s gonna become a movie

[@jamaicangirl2000]

Congratulations to this beautiful young lady!

[@aniahmiles8686]

So beautifully and eloquently explained. So so happy for her and inspired by her work and passion. 💗

[@ohyeahbriannayeah]

this book was sooooo so so good i cant wait to read the sequel

[@Everlong5]

This book was awesome and she is awesome. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@simplychubbs_919]

Sooo I met her a few months ago for a school fieldtrip and got both of the books 1 &2 I got around to reading it recently and must I say WOW the detail description and overall creativity is Great. My New favorite book.

[@Srishti_Kaur]

I absolutely loved the first book and just ordered the second and anxiously waiting for the third . Can’t wait !!

[@Sara_ennit]

Literally can not for the 2nd book and the movie!! Imagine all the melanin on screen 😍😍😍 Imagine Zèlie with beautiful dark skin and silver eyes omgg i literally can't wait!!! 😁😁😉😉

[@m.joiw7]

LOVED this book!!!! I'm so excited she's getting such good press on mainstream platforms.

[@Beatriz-kj9up]

Is so amazing that she got inspired from Brasil. As someone that comes from this religion i feel really represented and is heartwarming. I was looking for reading this book and now i have to read it

[@hayleywindom2979]

Children of Blood and Bone is my summer reading book, and I really like it so far! cant wait for the movie!!!

[@chococharlieyt5122]

I love her book as I read it I cam into a world of adventure I highly recommend it even if I am 13 yrs old only

[@madycarreno3833]

I just finished the book and I’m so amazed 😍

[@mariama12]

Amazing book! I’m so proud of her!!

[@Inamichan]

Ok so I’m loving this book and looking at this interview I’ve fallen in love with the author!

[@SILLYG00SERY]

I can't believe this video only has 1,377 views this deserves more

[@northphillymorningstar7385]

It's only been up for 2hrs

[@KCNwokoye]

So proud of you Tomi!

[@fauziah7136]

i read this book, and it was amazing! So excited for part two!

[@frannieforthoughts9527]

She’s the sweetest and I cannot wait to read her book 😍

[@eavesDropSound]

Saw her book in Target today, caught my eye. I'm an author and I'm always looking for inspiring writers.

[@crazyaboutu2]

Tomi deserves everything. I met her back in May for a signing, and she was the nicest and sweetest, and her wombat suit dancing is epic.

[@kinlabelle1]

Excited!! Going to start reading tomorrow on vacation!!!

[@ruchi1764]

I love the book so much, just finished reading it and I’ve literally not stopped for a break. It’s 12am and I’m so overwhelmed lol.

[@shortage6202]

This book is so good, I’ve been reading it rn and I LOVE it so much

[@shec.679]

I shed so much tears for this book.

[@joeomonghibo943]

Tnx my Nigeria sister, we will always sopport you.

[@alexn8285]

I bought this book yesterday at 230 pm and I finished it by 230 am...the only problem I had with it was that the damn bookstore isn't open at 230 am for me to go get the sequel

[@Abymilde]

Smart. Beautiful. Talented. My idol 😍

[@imsofocused4678]

Im just now finding out about her books and I'm hooked.

[@nancyaneke1346]

I really relate to what Tomi Adeyemi said about writing about white characters based on white/American culture. When I was little I never wrote or drew characters/ppl who looked like I do or were Nigerian like I am. It’s embarrassing, yet freeing to say. Just recently, I’ve been inspired to write about Nigerian/Nigerian-American characters and experiences. I’ve been working with a book idea for the last 2-3 years. I still struggle w/ taking ownership of my identity, but I know I’ll get to that place that I’ve always wanted be.

[@fromlangkawi]

I'm so proud of her!

[@shellfidel]

Loved this book, so happy for her!

[@BLISB]

Her books are amazing!!!

[@annabelkeith8167]

Read it. Loved it. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!

[@Strawberryfearsforever]

I can’t wait for the movie!

[@JlizCasas]

Such a great book!! Cants wait for the sequel 🙌🏻