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Quick answer: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi is best for ages 14 and up. It’s an epic fantasy inspired by West African mythology, with battles, torture, the massacre of magic users in the backstory and many deaths, plus kissing but no sex and only mild language.
Quick facts
Recommended age: 14+ (13+ for mature readers)
Reading level: Teen
Genre: YA fantasy
Published: 2018, first of the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy
Main concerns: Violence, torture, genocide themes
Movie: A film adaptation is in the works
Children of Blood and Bone became a phenomenon when it was published, praised for its rich West African-inspired world and its powerful themes. It’s an action-packed fantasy with a lot of violence, and it’s also a story about oppression and resistance. This guide explains what’s in it so you can decide when your child is ready.
Table of Contents
What Is Children of Blood and Bone About?
In the kingdom of Orïsha, magic once flowed, until King Saran ordered the Raid, killing magic users called maji, including Zélie Adebola’s mother. Since then, magic has vanished, and the divîners, children with white hair who might have become maji, are oppressed.
When Zélie meets Amari, a runaway princess who has stolen an artifact that can bring back magic, the two set off on a dangerous quest, pursued by Amari’s brother, Prince Inan.
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Content Guide for Parents
| Content | Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Violence | High | Battles, torture, killings and a massacre in the backstory. |
| Oppression | Central | The persecution of the divîners mirrors real-world injustice. |
| Romance | Mild | Kissing and romantic tension. |
| Language | Mild | Little swearing. |
| Grief | Significant | Zélie mourns her mother and others. |
| Positive messages | Strong | Courage, resistance to oppression and the power of identity. |
Age-by-Age Breakdown
| Age | Is Children of Blood and Bone a Good Fit? |
|---|---|
| Under 12 | Usually too violent; try Akata Witch. |
| 12 to 13 | Possible for mature fantasy fans. |
| 14 and up | The sweet spot. |
| Adults | Many adults enjoy it too. |
Why Children of Blood and Bone Matters
Tomi Adeyemi has said the book was inspired partly by police violence against Black Americans. The story’s themes of oppression and resistance give readers a lot to think about, wrapped in an exciting fantasy adventure.
Its world, drawn from Yoruba culture and language, is a fresh change from European-inspired fantasy.
Is Children of Blood and Bone Okay for a 12- or 13-Year-Old?
Some mature 13-year-olds read it, but the violence and torture scenes are intense. For 12-year-olds, it may be better to wait.
The sequels, Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Children of Anguish and Anarchy, are similar in content.
What Parents Should Know
- It’s violent. More than many YA fantasies.
- It sparks important discussions about injustice and racism.
- It’s a trilogy. The story concludes in Children of Anguish and Anarchy.
- The world draws on Yoruba culture. A glossary helps with words.
- It’s long. More than 500 pages.
How to Tell If Your Child Is Ready for Children of Blood and Bone
- Read the first chapter yourself. Ten minutes with the opening pages tells you a lot about the tone of Children of Blood and Bone.
- Think about what upsets your child. Every child is different, so match the content table above to your own child rather than to their age alone.
- Ask what they already know. Kids often hear about popular books from friends, so ask what they expect and why they want to read it.
- Offer to read it together. Reading at the same time, or aloud, makes it easy to pause and talk about hard scenes.
- Keep the door open. Tell your child they can stop at any time and come to you with questions.
A Simple Plan for Reading Children of Blood and Bone Together
- Before reading: look at the cover and blurb together and ask what your child expects from Children of Blood and Bone.
- While reading: check in every few chapters with one open question, such as “What surprised you?”
- After a hard scene: ask how it made them feel rather than what it means.
- After finishing: talk about the ending, then let your child choose what to read next from the suggestions below.
Questions to Talk About With Your Child
- How does the story reflect real-world injustice?
- Can Inan change, or is he too loyal to his father?
- What does magic mean to the divîners?
- How does Amari find her courage?
- What would you risk to bring back something taken from your people?
If Your Child Isn’t Ready Yet: Similar Books to Try
These fantasies draw on African and diaspora traditions for different ages.
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor: ages 11 and up. A Nigerian American girl discovers she has magical powers. It’s exciting and imaginative.
Check price of Akata Witch on Amazon
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko: ages 13 and up. A girl raised to kill the crown prince must decide where her loyalty lies.
Check price of Raybearer on Amazon
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn: ages 14 and up. A teen discovers a secret society of King Arthur’s descendants.
Check price of Legendborn on Amazon
Related: best fantasy books for book clubs and best book club books for teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is Children of Blood and Bone appropriate for?
Children of Blood and Bone is best for ages 14 and up, though some mature 13-year-olds read it.
Is Children of Blood and Bone violent?
Yes. It includes battles, torture and a massacre in the backstory.
Is there sex in Children of Blood and Bone?
No. There’s kissing, but no sexual content.
What mythology is Children of Blood and Bone based on?
It draws on West African, especially Yoruba, culture and mythology.
How many books are in the series?
There are three: Children of Blood and Bone, Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Children of Anguish and Anarchy.