Welcome!
Hi, I’m Efua – welcome to my page!
I’m a Nigerian-German author and I grew up in a small town in Nigeria. For as long as I can remember, my head was always buzzing with little stories, but it was not until much later that I began to write them down.
My writing is inspired by a sometimes overpowering sense of adventure, my fascination with myths, legends and superstitions and bouts of sudden nostalgia for the far-away place I grew up.
Hi, I’m Efua.
I’m a Nigerian-German author and I grew up in a small town in Nigeria. For as long as I can remember, my head was always buzzing with little stories, but it was not until much later that I began to write them down.
My writing is inspired by a sometimes overpowering sense of adventure, my fascination with myths, legends and superstitions and bouts of sudden nostalgia for the far-away place I grew up.
These are my children's books...
My debut novel, Children of the Quicksands won the Times/Chicken House Prize. The Sunday Times and the Guardian named it among the best books for children in 2021. The Junior Library Guild selected it as JLG Gold Standard in 2022.
It is a magical adventure story about a 13 year old girl sent to a remote Nigerian village. She is determined to unravel an old family secret and discovers a forbidden lake.
Children of the Quicksands has been translated into numerous languages and is available here for kids and young-at-heart adults.
The House of Shells is a magic realist adventure drawing from the rich Yoruba mythology. The Bookseller has selected it as “One to Watch”.
It is a story about a very special bond between two girls, and the power of friendship over fear and superstition. Readers who enjoy the thrill of haunted houses, wicked spirits and old family curses will love this one.
The House of Shells is available here.
One Chance Dance was the Times Children’s Book of the Year 2023! A heartwarming, exciting story of friendship, wonder and dance. A contemporary adventure of destiny, friendship and dance set in the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria.
Jomi hopes to find his missing mum by dancing on a TV talent show in a story which offers emotional pull and a lot of fun.
You can get your copy of One Chance Dance here.
and this is my first book for young adults!
A supernatural thriller, blending African myth, friendship, romance and self-discovery.
Sixteen-year-old adopted Tara has questions – about who she is, where she belongs, why she dreams…
If you are ready for a haunting, gothic mystery set in a Nigerian boarding school then get your copy here.
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