Tomi Adeyemi is a notable Nigerian-American author acclaimed for her significant contributions to young adult fantasy literature. Her debut novel, Children of Blood and Bone, quickly rose to bestseller status and received widespread praise for its immersive storytelling, cultural richness, and exploration of themes like identity, oppression, and resilience. Adeyemi’s work has not only enchanted readers but also ignited discussions about representation in the literary world.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Tomi Adeyemi |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Origin | Yoruba (Nigeria) |
| Spouse | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Occupations | Author, Writer |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on August 1, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, Tomi Adeyemi is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Growing up in a Yoruba household, she was profoundly influenced by her cultural roots, which would later inform her writing. Adeyemi developed a love for storytelling early on, often crafting her own tales inspired by West African folklore and mythology.
After high school, she attended Harvard University, where she earned a degree in English Literature. While at Harvard, she explored West African culture and mythology, which significantly influenced her literary development. Her academic experience equipped her with a solid understanding of narrative techniques and storytelling.
Career
Tomi Adeyemi’s career gained momentum with the publication of her debut novel, Children of Blood and Bone, released in March 2018. Set in the fictional realm of Orïsha, the story follows Zélie Adebola as she strives to restore magic to her people while confronting oppressive forces.
The novel was met with critical acclaim for its detailed world-building and engaging characters, quickly becoming a New York Times bestseller.
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Following the success of her first book, Adeyemi released the sequel, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, in December 2019. This series has been lauded for addressing themes such as social justice, family relationships, and the fight against systemic oppression. In addition to her novels, Adeyemi has contributed short stories to various anthologies.
Her work has garnered numerous awards, including the Andre Norton Award for Outstanding Young Adult Science Fiction or Fantasy Book and the Hugo Award for Best Young Adult Book. She was recognized on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2019 and named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
Movie Adaptation
A film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone is currently in production at Paramount Pictures. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the movie is set to be released on January 15, 2027.
The cast includes notable actors such as Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, and Cynthia Erivo. This adaptation aims to bring Adeyemi’s rich world and characters to life on the big screen.
Personal Life
Tomi Adeyemi tends to keep her personal life private. She has two siblings who have been supportive throughout her writing journey. Her mother works in hospice care while her father is a physician; both have instilled strong values of compassion and resilience in their children.
Currently, there is limited public information regarding Adeyemi’s marital status or whether she has children. While she shares insights about her writing process and experiences as an author on social media, she prefers to keep details about her personal relationships private.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Tomi Adeyemi’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. This wealth primarily comes from her successful writing career, including book sales, royalties, speaking engagements, and potential film adaptations of her works. The popularity of her novels has significantly contributed to her financial success.
Books
Tomi Adeyemi is best known for her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy:
- Children of Blood and Bone (2018) – The first installment introduces readers to Zélie Adebola and the magical world of Orïsha.
- Children of Virtue and Vengeance (2019) – The sequel continues Zélie’s journey as she faces new challenges.
- Children of Destiny (Upcoming) – The highly anticipated conclusion to the trilogy.
In addition to these novels, Adeyemi has written short stories for various anthologies and is actively working on new projects that expand upon the themes explored in her earlier works.
Awards and Recognition
Tomi Adeyemi has received several accolades for her literary contributions:
- Andre Norton Award for Outstanding Young Adult Science Fiction or Fantasy Book (2019)
- Hugo Award for Best Young Adult Book (2020)
- Featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list (2019)
- Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (2020)
Her work continues to resonate with readers globally, inspiring a new generation of writers and advocates for diversity in literature.
