Curtis was lucky enough to receive a visit from Tomi Adeyemi, Harvard grad and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Children of Blood and Bones on Tuesday, December 10, during 5th period. At the assembly, Adeyemi read an inspiring and thought-provoking excerpt of her acclaimed novel out to the students. Attendees either had an English class, and were brought to the auditorium by their teacher, or were part of the Curtis Readers, which is led by Ms. Gilly. Students felt that her reading made one look back and reflect on all times they’ve been afraid. Afterward, attendees were able to ask Adeyemi varying questions about her work in a moderated Q and A, with the moderators being Chloe Lichter and Zoe Villandre, both Curtis Readers. Students were also able to get a copy of the acclaimed book signed by the author herself.
As a Nigerian, Tomi Adeyemi hopes to make a difference by shedding light on police brutality and injustice with her writing. Her success did not come easily; it came with tens of rejections and failed stories. But after facing five years of hardship and failure, she is now an award-winning author. After winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Debut Goodreads Author and Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year driven by her dream and motivation, she is working hard to turn her novel into a movie. In fact, casting for the movie will be announced in the next two weeks. Filming will begin in February, and Adeyemi has dedicated herself to making this project a reality.
Nevertheless, none of this would have been possible without Ms. Gilly, who met Tomi Adeyemi in May at a book event for Willow Smith. She explained her interest in Adeyemi’s message and what she wanted to accomplish with the Curtis Readers. Adeyemi’s books may be fantasy, but they include real authentic topics that people face in their day-to-day lives. Adeyemi showed students that regardless of your age, community, or race, you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to.