By Efua Traore (author)
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Longlisted for the UKLA Book Award 2023 ages 7-10
A richly imagined magical fantasy adventure set in West Africa by a prize-winning new voice in children's writing. Introduces readers to Yoruba myths and legends whilst showcasing the wealth of culture, traditions, adventure, fun, joy, celebrations, music, pride and love found in Nigeria. Beautifully explores themes of grief and belonging.
In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simi is desperate to uncover a family secret.
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City girl Simi is sent to stay with her long-lost grandmother in a remote Nigerian village. There's no TV, internet or phone. Not a single human-made sound can be heard at night, just the noise of birds and animals rustling in the dark forest outside. Her witchlike grandmother dispenses advice and herbal medicine to 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 goes exploring. Caught in the sinking red quicksand of a forbidden lake, her fantastical journey begins.
'A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling' - Katherine Rundell
'A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria - glorious!' - Jasbinder Bilan
'An excellent book...rich in tradition and realism.' - Hannah Gold, Author of The Last Bear
'[A] beautifully evoked story' - The Telegraph
'Gorgeous ... an enthralling story' - Abi Elphinstone
'[A] terrific debut novel' - Yabe Badoe
'Traore's storytelling feels almost otherworldly ... exhilarating' - The Times
'A stunning debut' - The Scotsman
'Full of secrets and myths' - The Observer
Efua Traoré is the Nigerian German prize winning author of three widely praised middle grade books. Sister Spirit is her first work for older readers. She lives in Munich with her family
Efua is the winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2018.
UKLA Longlist 2023 Announced
UKLA Book Awards 2023
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In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simi is desperate to uncover a family secret. City girl Simi is sent to stay with her long-lost grandmother in a remote Nigerian village. There's no TV, internet or phone.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Children of the Quicksands and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Children of the Quicksands features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Stories about Family and Friends, Fantasy / Magical, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Mystery / Mythology, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. Not Available.
Children of the Quicksands was written by Efua Traore and published by Chicken House Ltd
Children of the Quicksands has 276 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. Not Available.
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