Efua Traor author page

Efua Traoré biography

Efua Traoré is a Nigerian-German author who writes for children and young adults. She grew up in a small town in southern Nigeria and later moved to Europe. Traoré’s writing draws on her Nigerian heritage, often exploring themes of family, tradition, and the natural world.

Her debut middle-grade novel, Children of the Quicksands, was published by Chicken House in 2021. The story follows a young girl named Simi who is sent to stay with her grandmother in a remote Nigerian village, where she uncovers local secrets and magical traditions. The novel was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2022 and was also a finalist for the 2019 Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.

Traoré’s second novel, Wildlings, was published by Chicken House in 2022. This book continues to explore Nigerian folklore and the relationship between children and the environment. Traoré’s work is noted for its vivid settings and incorporation of West African myths and legends.

In addition to her novels, Traoré has written short stories and contributed to anthologies. She has also been recognised for her work in promoting diverse voices in children’s literature. Her novel Children of the Quicksands was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2022.