Abiola Bello

Abiola Bello

Abiola Bello is a children's and YA author from North London. Her children's fantasy book series Emily Knight is Carnegie nominated, winner of London's Big Read 2019 and shortlisted for the People's Book Prize. The series has received rave reviews for its diverse characters and strong, black female protagonist (that can fight like a man!). Book 3 in the series Emily Knight I am...Becoming is out September 2020.


Abiola is a 2018 Trailblazer Award winner and the founder of The Lil’ Author School which runs The little BIG Book Comp for young writers, co-founder of The Author School, Hashtag BLAK, ink! and Hashtag Press. The Author School was shortlisted for The Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2016.

Abiola has appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine, Female First, The Mirror, BBC1XTRA to name a few.

A Bello represents the long-awaited evolution of diversity in the literature world - The British Blacklist

Abiola's Books

Emily Knight I am
How does it feel to be different and misunderstood? And who cares? Emily Knight is young and famous, self-aware and intelligent. But what if the one thing that makes Emily different also makes her a target for evil? Can she defend herself...and everything she loves? A.Bello breaks boundaries with this gritty and gripping fantasy novel.

Emily Knight I am...Awakened
Dark times are upon us. Neci is back and she is more dangerous than ever. The warriors are forced to pick a side and to stand up for what they believe in. The race is on to find the missing warrior first. It's the only way to prevent a war from happening and to stop Neci from destroying everything. Emily Knight has to get sharper, stronger and faster because Neci has made her a target and someone is going to great lengths to hurt her. Can Emily win the race? Or will Neci take her down once and for all?

I really love stories that have diverse characters. I like to read anything but I do love YA books. Looking forward to reading some great submissions!