Children enjoy learning about their surroundings. Books are one of the greatest ways to teach children about other cultures. Africa is a large and diverse continent with a wide variety of languages, customs, and lifestyles. Children can better understand cultural diversity and cultivate global awareness by reading these books, which expose them to the everyday lives of African children.
1. Living in... South Africa by Chloe Perkins
This book is part of a series that explores life in different parts of the world. It introduces kids to everyday life in various countries around the world, showing how children live, learn, and play.
Reading age: 4 - 8
2. Moja Means One: A Swahili Counting Book by Muriel Feelings
In addition to teaching kids numbers in Swahili, this counting book features beautiful illustrations that highlight East African culture. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about language and heritage.
Reading age: 3 - 5
3. Africa is Not a Country by Margy Burns Knight
The everyday lives of children in the various modern African nations are explored in this book. Contrary to popular belief, this book highlights the remarkable diversity of this dynamic continent, Africa, as it is experienced by kids at home, at school, at work, and during play.
Reading age: 4 - 10
4. Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
A collection of four linked stories of family life set in modern West Africa. Anna Hibiscus and her extended family reside in a large Nigerian home. Through her experiences, children gain knowledge about African city life, customs, and family life.
Reading age: 4 - 9
5. Distant Talking Drum by Isaac Olaleye
This story revolves around a boy who discovers his family's history through the rhythmic sounds of drums in Nigeria. It explores themes of identity and connection to heritage, making it relatable for children learning about their roots.
Reading age: 3 - 6
6. Chidi Only Likes Blue by Ifeoma Onyefulu
A Nigerian boy, Chidi, only likes the color blue. His older sister takes him on a journey to show him the beauty of other colors in their everyday life, celebrating African art and culture.
Reading age: 4 - 8
7. Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams
Kondi, a young boy in Malawi, is determined to create a galimoto (a toy vehicle) from scrap wire. This endearing story provides a glimpse of life in Malawi, one of the least developed countries in the world, in southeast Africa while showcasing creativity and resourcefulness.
Reading age: 4 - 8
8. Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli
This inspiring biography tells the story of Wangari Maathai, an environmental activist who planted trees across Kenya to improve her community's health and environment. It teaches children about activism and caring for our planet.
Reading age: 4 - 8
These books not only make learning about Africa interesting and enjoyable, but they also teach kids about African cultures, encouraging a respect for cultural diversity and demonstrating to children that, in spite of differences, all children share common goals, aspirations, and experiences.
Which of these books would you like to read with your child? Let us know in the comments!
