Safia Elhillo Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of African Poetry Book Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Safia Elhillo

Safia Elhillo is a Sudanese-American poet and writer whose work bridges cultures. Her Sudanese heritage and American upbringing shape her unique perspective. She writes poetry designed for both the page and the stage, giving her words a rhythmic, immersive quality. Readers and listeners often find her writing deeply moving because of its honesty and emotional depth.

A standout skill of hers is crafting characters who feel real and relatable. Her protagonists stay with readers because they’re nuanced, imperfect, and deeply human. Whether in verse or prose, her storytelling feels effortless yet intentional, pulling people in with its warmth. There’s a natural momentum to her narratives that makes them hard to put down.

Her ability to weave personal stories into universal themes makes her work resonate widely. She invites readers into her world with vivid, sensory language and emotional clarity. The way she structures her poems and stories ensures they linger long after reading. With a distinct voice and a gift for connection, her writing leaves a lasting mark.

Through her writing she connects with readers across the globe by writing stories deeply rooted in her own experiences. Her work carries universal emotions—love, loss, belonging—while staying authentic to her Sudanese-American identity. This balance makes her writing relatable to diverse audiences, whether they share her background or not. Readers from different cultures find something familiar in the honesty of her words.

She draws people in with vivid, sensory details that make her stories feel alive. Whether describing a place, a memory, or an emotion, her writing immerses readers in the moment. Her use of rhythm and lyrical phrasing, especially in spoken-word poetry, adds a musical quality that resonates widely. Even those new to poetry find her work accessible and engaging.

By blending personal truth with broader themes, she creates stories that feel intimate yet expansive. She doesn’t dilute her perspective to appeal to a wider audience—instead, its specificity is what makes it powerful. Readers worldwide appreciate her ability to turn individual stories into shared human experiences. This authenticity is why her work crosses borders and stays with people long after they’ve read it.

Safia Elhillo’s creative journey is still unfolding, with much more to offer in the years ahead. Her past work has already established her as a bold and resonant voice, but her evolution as a writer promises even greater depth. Readers can expect more stories that blend the personal and universal with her signature lyrical precision. Whatever she creates next will surely continue to captivate and connect with audiences around the world.

Early and Personal Life

Safia Elhillo was born on December 16, 1990, in Rockville, Maryland, to Sudanese parents. Growing up in a Muslim household, she was exposed to diverse cultural influences from an early age. These experiences helped shape her perspective and later became a source of inspiration for her writing.

She pursued her passion for literature by earning a Bachelor of Arts from New York University. Later, she refined her craft with a Master of Fine Arts from The New School. Her education provided a strong foundation for her development as a poet and author.

Through her work, Elhillo explores themes of identity, heritage, and personal growth. Her writing reflects both her upbringing and her artistic evolution. Readers appreciate her ability to weave these elements into compelling and relatable stories.

Writing Career

Safia Elhillo has built a notable writing career, with her poetry appearing in prestigious publications like Poetry and Callaloo, as well as anthologies such as The BreakBeat Poets and New Daughters of Africa. She has presented her work on prominent platforms, including TEDxNewYork, Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre, and TV1’s Verses & Flow. Her recognition includes awards like the Brunel University African Poetry Prize and the Arab American Book Award for The January Children, making her the first Sudanese-American author to win the honor.

Elhillo has published multiple poetry collections, including Home Is Not a Country and Girls That Never Die, exploring themes of identity, migration, and belonging. Her 2024 release, Bright Red Fruit, earned a Michael L. Printz Award honor, showcasing her continued growth as a writer. With fellowships from Cave Canem and Stanford University, her career reflects both achievement and promise for the future.

Home Is Not a Country

Safia Elhillo’s young adult novel Home Is Not a Country was published on March 2, 2021, by Make Me a World, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The book blends magical realism and fantasy while exploring themes of identity and belonging. It marks Elhillo’s debut in the YA genre.

Nima struggles with feeling disconnected—from her immigrant mother and her suburban surroundings, where she never quite fits in. Her only comfort is her close friendship with Haitham, until even that changes. When faced with the haunting alternative life of Yasmeen, the name she wasn’t given, Nima confronts a reality more tangible than she imagined. To reclaim her own life, she must discover a strength she didn’t know she possessed.

Readers will appreciate Home Is Not a Country for its lyrical blend of magical realism and heartfelt exploration of identity. Elhillo crafts a relatable protagonist in Nima, whose journey of self-discovery feels both personal and universal. The novel’s poetic prose and emotional depth make it a standout YA debut. Those who enjoy stories about belonging and resilience will find it particularly moving.

Bright Red Fruit

Safia Elhillo’s YA coming-of-age novel Bright Red Fruit was published February 6, 2024 by Make Me a World once again.

Samira struggles with her ‘bad girl’ reputation, never receiving fair judgment from her mother or watchful aunties. Her hopes for a perfect summer—filled with poetry, parties, and freedom—are dashed when a rumor gets her grounded. Seeking connection online, she meets Horus, an older poet who makes her feel valued for the first time. But their growing relationship becomes a dangerous secret that could confirm everyone’s worst assumptions about her.

Many will find this novel compelling for its honest portrayal of teenage struggles with identity and reputation. Elhillo captures Samira’s journey with emotional authenticity, blending poetry and coming-of-age challenges. The tension between self-discovery and community expectations creates a gripping narrative. Fans of contemporary YA will appreciate this raw, beautifully written story.