Where to Find African Children's Books
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Where can I find African children’s books?
Recently, I visited my local Barnes & Noble in search of a children’s book by an African author, but I came up empty-handed. While I found several titles by African-American authors, there were none by authors from Africa. I tried a smaller independent bookstore in Houston, hoping for a better result, but the story was the same.
Rather than diving into the many reasons African children's books are hard to find in local bookstores, I’d like to highlight a few fantastic online resources I discovered. Some I found through my own research, while others were recommended by parents of African children, families with kids in international schools, expats, and educators who value diverse, global perspectives in children’s literature.
1. Kunda kids
1. Kunda kids
Kunda Kids is a global leader in African Edutainment for children. They have a plethora of African children's books with fun stories that foster literacy, bolster self-esteem and celebrate Africa's rich history and diverse culture. By celebrating the beauty of diversity and inspiring curiosity, they empower culturally aware global citizens.
One of my favorite books in their collection is Afam and the New Yam Festival.
2. Children’s Africana Book Awards
2. Children’s Africana Book Awards
The Children’s Africana Book Awards encourages the publication of children’s books that contribute to a better understanding of African societies and issues. Every year, a list of award winners is revealed, featuring truly amazing African books for kids—both young adult and little ones—many of which are written by African author.
Children’s Africana Book Awards Website Click Here
3. Rebekah Gienapp’s African Children’s Book List
3. Rebekah Gienapp’s African Children’s Book List
Rebekah Gienapp is a writer, activist and educator passionate about diversity and literacy. She put together a phenomenal list of engaging children's books by African authors. Thanks, Rebekah.
Rebekah Giehapp’s Website Click Here
4. Author sanyu
4. Author sanyu
As a budding children's book author, I’m writing my own African children's book series. The first installment 'Jama and the Search for Courage' came out in February 2025 and is available on Amazon.
Jama and the Search for Courage is about a 9-year-old boy who lives in an African village and is tasked by his father to find a special gourd. Suitable for ages 7 and under.
Author Sanyu’s Website Click Here
Jama and the Search for Courage Available here
5. Our ancestories
5. Our ancestories
Our Ancestories is passionate about contributing to the preservation of African heritage and culture through captivating African children's books. They share stories on pre-colonial African legends and provide engaging activities for kids to explore specific African cultures.
Our Ancestories African Childrens Book List Click Here
6. Diverse book finder
6. Diverse book finder
Diverse BookFinder is an online comprehensive collection of children’s and young adult books featuring Black and Indigenous Peoples and People of Color (BIPOC). When I search for books I just go to their website, click "Discover" and then click "Search Collection."
I've seen some amazing hidden gems in this collection with kids books set in different African countries such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and South Africa.
Diverse Book Finder Website Click Here
Have any other ideas I should add to the list? Contact me and let me know!
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