Reading age:  9 - 11 years old.  
 
A heartwarming, exciting story of friendship, wonder
and dance from Waterstones Prize-shortlisted author Efua Traoré! 

 
Jomi’s mum left when he was little to make a new life for
them in Lagos, the city of dreams. When Jomi doesn’t hear
from her, he decides to follow. His only starting place is a TV
dance competition that his mum used to love.
 
Things go badly for the boy and his pet bushbaby, until he meets
a crew of street kids. Together, they come up with a one-chance
idea to find Jomi’s mother – and make their own dreams
come true.
 
 
A brand new novel full of joy and wonder by the author
of Children of the Quicksands, shortlisted for the Waterstones
Children’s Book Prize
 
Selected as The Times Children's Book of the
Year 2023
 
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!

 
PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS:

 
‘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

 
‘[A] beautifully evoked story’ THE
TELEGRAPH