We were so excited co-host a panel on children’s literature with World Kid Lit! If you missed this incredibly fun and thoughtful conversation, you can watch a recording here. When the panel ended, our amazing moderator, Bunmi, asked the group to share their favorite #ReadingAfrica books for young readers. You could, of course, watch the video in full, rewind and pause as needed, and then jot down their recommendations. But we won’t make you do that. Instead, you can keep reading for some great suggestions from the panel for books to share with the young reader in your life! You can also take a look at our #ReadingAfrica2021 list on Bookshop.org, which featured illustrated stories for all ages.
Bunmi Emananjo, founder Atlas Book Club:
Ekiuwa Aire, author of Idia of the Benin Kingdom and founder of Our Ancestories.
The Water Princess by Susan Verde, Georgie Badiel, and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. From the publisher: Inspired by the childhood of African-born model Georgie Badiel, acclaimed author Susan Verde and award-winning author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds have come together to tell this moving story. As a child in Burkina Faso, Georgie and the other girls in her village had to walk for miles each day to collect water. This vibrant, engaging picture book sheds light on this struggle that continues all over the world today, instilling hope for a future when all children will have access to clean drinking water.
Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. From the publisher: As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something–and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans . . .
This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.
Hannes Barnard, author Halley’s Comet.
The Tippie series. From the publisher: Learning to read is super easy with Tippie the elephant. These sequential reading books were designed with a focus on sound development; linking sounds and letters as well as building success and self-confidence in reading. The first ten books in the series focus on short vowels; simple consonants; blends and sight words. [Note: the Tippie books are published in Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, and isiZulu]
Tussen die lyne (Between the Lines) by Jaco Jacobs. From the publisher: Between the lines of this fun activity book the popular best-selling author Jaco Jacobs helps children showcase their writing talent. So, what are you waiting for… sharpen your pencil and let the fun start! [Note: Only in Afrikaans]
The Guilded Ones by Namina Forma. From the publisher: Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.
But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity-and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.
You can learn more about Hannes’ Afrikaans titles here.
Ruth Ahmedzai Kemp, literary translator and co-editor of World Kid Lit blog.
Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hashimi Alawi, illustrated by Maya Fidawi, translated by Mehdi Retnani, Crackboom Books [originally in Arabic, 1st published in Morocco]. From the publisher: Myriam and Sami have three cats: Pasha the black angora cat–proud as a pasha really!–Minouche the grey tabby cat found in the street and Amir the playful Siamese. One day Myriam’s belly starts to get bigger and something starts to stir in it. Myriam disappears for a few days and comes back home with something that screams and demands a lot of attention. Their three cats are very confused. What’s going on?
The Magical Doll: A children’s book inspired by African Art, by Yabouza, Adrienne, illustrated by Élodie Nouhen, translated from French by Paul Kelly, published by Prestel (First published in France/set in Central African Republic where the author is from) From the publisher: In a small village in West Africa, a young girl explains the special way she was born. Her mother had difficulty getting pregnant, so she seeks help in the form of a doll which she treats like a human baby, carrying it on her back and covering it with kisses. Months go by and finally the woman’s belly begins to grow! This beautiful story explores the Akua-Ba fertility figures of the Akan people of Ghana, while also depicting the deep love a mother has for her children.
Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. From the publisher: Three delightful tales from a renowned Nigerian storyteller introduce a chapter-book heroine who is every bit as mighty as she is small.
Akissi:Tales of Mischief , More Tales of Mischief and Even More Tales of Mischief written by Marguerite Abouet and illustrated by Mathieu Sapin. Translated from French by Marie Bédrune and Judith Taboy (Flying Eye Books). From the publisher: Jump into the laugh-out-loud misadadventures of Akissi in these girls-will-be-girls comics, based on author Margeurite Abouet’s childhood on the Ivory Coast.
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor. From the publisher: Sunny Nwazue lives in Nigeria, but she was born in New York City. Her features are West African, but she’s albino. She’s a terrific athlete, but can’t go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing–she is a free agent with latent magical power. And she has a lot of catching up to do. Soon she’s part of a quartet of magic students, studying the visible and invisible, learning to change reality. But as she’s finding her footing, Sunny and her friends are asked by the magical authorities to help track down a career criminal who knows magic, too. Will their training be enough to help them combat a threat whose powers greatly outnumber theirs?
Caroline Kurtz, author and co-founder of Ready Set Go Books for early Ethiopian readers.
Trouble by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by Durga Bernhard. From the publisher: A story based on a tale told in northern Ethiopia and Eritrea about a boy who keeps getting into trouble. His father finds the solution: a gebeta game. Available as a bilingual edition (English and Amharic).
The Runaway Injera: An Ethiopian Fairy Tale in Amharic and English by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by Katie Bradley, translated by Mastewal Abera
