23 Great Stories by African Writers

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diverse representation in children’s literature. African writers have contributed immensely to this movement, offering a wealth of stories that reflect the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of the continent. From captivating folktales to heartwarming coming-of-age stories, African children’s literature celebrates the richness and complexity of African identity. Here, we present 23 children’s books by African writers that are sure to inspire, entertain, and educate young readers around the world.

1. “Adventures of Anansi & Sewa: Rainy Day” by Bunmi Oyinsan
On a rainy April day, Anansi and Sewa are bored and looking for excitement. They go from room to room trying to find something to do, but nothing seems like fun. Just as they think the rain has stopped, it starts pouring again. They run outside and have fun splashing in the puddles. Join Anansi and Sewa as they have the best rainy day ever.

2. “Grandma’s List” by Portia Dery
Join Esi as she helps her grandmother with a shopping list, discovering the magic of storytelling and the importance of family bonds in this heartwarming tale set in Ghana.

3. “Adventures of Anansi & Sewa: The Missing Black Panther” by Bunmi Oyinsan
When Anansi can’t find his favorite toy, the Black Panther, he sets out to look for it. But to his surprise, he discovers that Sewa, his sister has taken it and dressed it up in a tutu! Will Anansi get past his anger and ever forgive her? Join Anansi and Sewa as they learn about sharing, and what it means to be kind to one another.

4. “The Little Yellow Leaf and Other Stories” by Kui Kihoro
this collection of stories from Kenya features colorful illustrations and engaging narratives that celebrate the wonders of nature, friendship, and imagination.

5. “Sleep Well, Siba and Saba” by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl
Set in Uganda, this enchanting bedtime story follows the adventures of two sisters who dream of all the things they will do when they wake up, inspiring children to cherish their dreams and aspirations.

READ ALSO: 10 African Stories Every Black Parent Should Share with Their Children

6. “The Fastest Tortoise on the Block” by Ben Hanson
Join Timi the tortoise as he competes in a race against his friends, learning valuable lessons about perseverance, determination, and the importance of believing in oneself.

7. “Nelson Beats the Odds” by Ronnie Sidney II
Based on the author’s own experiences, this inspiring story follows Nelson, a young boy with ADHD, as he learns to overcome challenges and pursue his dreams with resilience and determination.

8. “Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya” by Donna Jo Napoli
Discover the inspiring true story of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist who planted trees to empower her community and protect the environment, teaching children the importance of conservation and activism.

9. “The Soccer Fence: A Story of Friendship, Hope, and Apartheid in South Africa” by Phil Bildner
Set against the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa, this powerful story follows two boys from different backgrounds who form an unlikely friendship through their love of soccer, inspiring children to stand up against injustice and discrimination.

10. “Chicken in the Kitchen” by Nnedi Okorafor
When a mischievous chicken wreaks havoc in Nnedi’s kitchen, she embarks on a magical adventure to catch it, encountering supernatural creatures and learning valuable lessons along the way in this Nigerian-inspired tale.

SEE ALSO: Best Bedtime Stories for Children

11. “Phillis Wheatley” by Bunmi Oyinsan

Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa into a family of traditional poets, musicians, and storytellers. She was captured and ended up in Boston where she was sold into slavery. How did she end up being the first African American woman to ever have a book of poetry published? Find out in this beautifully illustrated story.

12. “Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor
In this spellbinding fantasy adventure set in Nigeria, twelve-year-old Sunny discovers her magical abilities and embarks on a quest to save the world from dark forces, celebrating African culture and mythology along the way.

13. “The Jumbies” by Tracey Baptiste
Set in the Caribbean, this captivating tale draws inspiration from African folklore as a brave young girl named Corinne battles supernatural creatures known as jumbies to protect her island home and her family.

14. “The Night Shimabara” by Karen King-Aribisala
follow the adventures of twelve-year-old Wuraola as she journeys into the magical world of the night shimabara, encountering mythical creatures and unraveling family secrets in this enchanting Nigerian tale.

15. “The Power of the Vazimba” by Elizabeth Richards
Set in Madagascar, this thrilling adventure follows a group of children who embark on a quest to rescue their friend from the clutches of a powerful sorceress, drawing upon Malagasy mythology and folklore

16. “Noughts & Crosses” by Malorie Blackman
Set in a dystopian society divided by race, this gripping novel follows the forbidden love between Sephy, a member of the ruling black elite, and Callum, a white member of the underprivileged nought class, challenging readers to confront issues of race, privilege, and identity.

17. “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi
In this epic fantasy inspired by West African mythology, a young woman named Zélie embarks on a quest to restore magic to her world and overthrow a brutal regime, confronting oppression and injustice along the way.

18. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
Based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, this inspiring memoir follows a young boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to bring electricity to his village, showcasing the power of ingenuity, resilience, and determination.

19. “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi
Spanning generations and continents, this powerful novel traces the descendants of two half-sisters from 18th-century Ghana—one sold into slavery, the other married off to a British slaver—across three centuries, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and the legacy of slavery.

20. “The Shadow Speaker” by Nnedi Okorafor
Set in a post-apocalyptic Africa, this captivating novel follows the adventures of Ejii, a young girl with the power to communicate with shadows, as she embarks on a journey to save her world from destruction.

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21. “Mansa Musa” by Bunmi Oyinsan

Mansa Musa was a young man from Africa’s Mali Empire who rose to become one of the most powerful kings in history and the richest man to have ever lived. Discover his incredible story and uncover the secrets of his rise to power and immense wealth in this epic tale about how he led his kingdom to greatness.

22. “One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia” by Miranda Paul
Based on the true story of Isatou Ceesay, this empowering picture book follows a group of women in the Gambia who turn plastic bags into beautiful handcrafted purses, inspiring environmental activism and community empowerment.

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23. “The Boy from Ikot Ukum” by Sharon Abimbola Salu
In this heartwarming memoir, Sharon Abimbola Salu recounts her childhood experiences growing up in rural Nigeria, offering a glimpse into the daily lives, traditions.

Visit www.sankofastorybooks.com and immerse yourself and your children in these African stories and more.