Yaba Badoe author page

Yaba Badoe biography

Yaba Badoe is a Ghanaian-British author and filmmaker known for her contributions to children’s and young adult literature. She was born in Tamale, Ghana, and educated in Britain. Badoe’s career spans both literature and documentary filmmaking, with her work often exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice.

Her debut novel, A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars, was published in 2017 by Zephyr, an imprint of Head of Zeus. The book received critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling and was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award in 2018. The novel weaves elements of magical realism with contemporary issues, following the journey of a young girl named Sante.

In 2019, Badoe released her second novel, Wolf Light, also published by Zephyr. This work further established her reputation as a writer of compelling and imaginative fiction for young adults. Wolf Light explores the interconnected lives of three girls from different parts of the world, each possessing unique powers.

In addition to her novels, Badoe has directed and produced several documentaries, including The Witches of Gambaga, which won Best Documentary at the Black International Film Festival in 2010. Her work in film often complements her literary themes, focusing on African culture and women’s issues.