Region: Africa

Materials from Africa

The Parade

By Book Importer | Published: February 16, 2012

Here are seven Ananse stories from Ghana pulsating with mischievous animals, a touch of moral message and, peeping out wickedly above them all, Ananse the trickster spider. The original title story, The Parade, telling why Ananse became a trickster in the first place, is a worthy opener to six traditional stories including the favourites Ananse [...]

Other Descriptors: Folklore, Ghana, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

Beatrice’s Dream: A Story of Kibera Slum

By Book Importer | Published: February 16, 2012

Beatrice is a thirteen-year-old orphan in Kibera, Nairobi – a Kenyan shantytown built on refuse and rubbish and one of the biggest slums in Africa. In this book she describes her life: her walk to school, the dust that blows between her teeth and the mud she wades through, her teacher’s down-to-earth encouragement, her fear [...]

Other Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Kenya, Nonfiction » Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Vacation in the Village

By Book Importer | Published: February 7, 2012

A boy discovers and takes pride in the customs of his people when he visits his family’s village.

Other Descriptors: Cameroon, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

Promise The Night

By Book Importer | Published: January 18, 2012

For a young girl, Beryl has big dreams- bigger than the vast ranch in British East Africa where she is being raised by her demanding father.  Abandoned by her mother, who fled the remote African life to return to “civilized” England, Beryl’s only friend is her mother’s dog, Buller- that is, until one night when [...]

Other Descriptors: Historical Fiction, Kenya, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

The Third Gift

By Book Importer | Published: January 18, 2012

After harvesting an especially large “tear” of a resin known as myrrh, a young boy and his father visit a spice merchant whose three customers are seeking a special gift to bring to a baby. Includes biblical references and historical information about the Magi and myrrh.

Other Descriptors: Historical Fiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

Lala Salama

By Book Importer | Published: December 21, 2011

An African lullaby in Swahili and English in which a little boy says good night to all the animals and ends with his mother.

Other Descriptors: Infant/toddler (ages 0-2), Kenya, Picture Book, Rhymes/songs, Tanzania » Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

Dan Eldon: Safari as a Way of Life

By Book Importer | Published: December 12, 2011

Photojournalist Dan Eldon left behind much more than the astonishing illustrated journals that would form The Journey is the Destination when he lost his life at age twenty-two while on assignment in Somalia. He also bequeathed a life story that has inspired students, teachers, artists, and creative activists—as well as a forthcoming film, an apparel [...]

Other Descriptors: Biography, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Kenya, Somalia » Themes: , , » Leave a comment

Lala Salama

By Book Importer | Published: November 21, 2011

A mother relates the events of a peaceful day along the banks of Lake Tanganyika to her baby, wrapped up and ready for sleep.

Other Descriptors: Early Years (ages 2-6), Picture Book, Rhymes/songs, Tanzania » Themes: , , » Leave a comment

The Lost Boys of Sudan

By Book Importer | Published: November 21, 2011

This book presents accounts of narrow escapes executed by oppressed individuals and groups while illuminating social issues and the historical background that led to wars in Sudan and the orphaned refugees known as the ‘Lost Boys’.

Other Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Nonfiction, Sudan, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Never Forgotten

By Book Importer | Published: November 21, 2011

This gorgeous picture book by Newbery Honor winner Patricia C. McKissack and two-time Caldecott Medal-winning husband-and-wife team Leo and Diane Dillon is sure to become a treasured keepsake for African American families. Set in West Africa, here is a lyrical story-in-verse about a young black boy who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, which will [...]

Other Descriptors: Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Mali, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment