Books About South Africa

The Best South Africa Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about south africa? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About South Africa

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2006

The White Giraffe

By Lauren St John · Book #1 in the Animal Healer series

An orphaned girl discovers a mythical creature on an African reserve. Is it real, or just a legend?

208 pages· 41,897 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 7,709 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: After losing her parents, Martine moves to a South African wildlife reserve with a grandmother she never knew. There, she hears whispers of a legendary white giraffe. One stormy night, she sees the creature herself. Is it a figment of her imagination, or is the giraffe real? And why is its existence shrouded in secrecy? As Martine delves deeper, she uncovers mysteries that could change everything. Can she unravel the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$1994

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2025

The Black Mambas

Unarmed women patrol to protect endangered wildlife from poachers.

40 pages· 2,314 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud

4.6 Goodreads · 321 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park, the Black Mambas, an unarmed, all-female anti-poaching unit, patrol tirelessly to protect endangered species like rhinos and pangolins. With only their wits and vigilance, these women face the constant threat of poachers. How do they succeed where others might fail? Discover their inspiring story of courage and community impact.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2019

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime

By Trevor Noah

A mixed-race child defies apartheid's laws, using wit and resilience to navigate a divided South Africa.

Cybils Award (2019)

304 pages

4.4 Goodreads · 10,225 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Trevor Noah, born to a black mother and white father in apartheid South Africa, was a crime by existence. With humor and intelligence, he navigates a world of racial injustice, overcoming barriers with his mother's unwavering support. As he faces a society that denies him opportunities, Trevor's journey is one of survival and hope. This memoir offers a gripping look at a tumultuous era, challenging readers to see beyond prejudice and embrace humanity. Will Trevor's story inspire change in a world still grappling with division?

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1963

Abiyoyo

By Pete Seeger, Michael Hays (Illustrator)

A boy and his father must save their town from a giant they once feared.

48 pages· 500 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 2,771 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a town that shunned them, a boy's ukulele and his father's magic tricks are the only hope against the fearsome giant Abiyoyo. Can they turn outcasts into heroes and save the day? As the giant devours everything in sight, the townspeople's only chance lies in the enchanting music and mysterious magic they once rejected. Will the boy's melody and his father's wand be enough to make the giant disappear, or will the town face its doom? Discover the power of unity and redemption in this captivating tale.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Railway Jack

By KT Johnston, César Samaniego (Illustrator)

A legless inspector and a baboon must prove their teamwork to skeptical authorities.

40 pages· 1,887 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud

4.5 Goodreads · 148 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the late 1800s, Jim, a legless railway inspector, finds an unlikely partner in Jack, a baboon. Together, they navigate the challenges of proving their worth to skeptical railway authorities. As Jim trains Jack to assist him, their unique bond faces public scrutiny. Can this extraordinary duo convince everyone of their capabilities and redefine the role of service animals? Discover a heartwarming tale of resilience and friendship that defies expectations.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 8–11 · 2019

Hector

By Adrienne Wright

A boy's tragic death during a protest sparks change in apartheid-era South Africa.

48 pages· 1,127 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 226 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1976 South Africa, young Hector Pieterson becomes a symbol of resistance after a protest turns deadly. Through the eyes of Hector, his sister, and a photographer, this graphic novel captures the struggle against a law forcing students to learn in Afrikaans. As tensions rise, the story reveals the personal and political stakes of a fight for justice, shedding light on a pivotal moment in the battle against apartheid. Will Hector's sacrifice ignite change, or will it be lost in the chaos?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Who Was Nelson Mandela?

By Pam Pollack, Who HQ, Stephen Marchesi (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A biography of Nelson Mandela, from his childhood to his presidency of South Africa, highlighting his fight against apartheid and his efforts to bring about equality and justice to his country.

112 pages· 7,623 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 993 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Nelson Mandela, a visionary from childhood, dedicates his life to dismantling apartheid in South Africa. Despite enduring twenty-seven years in prison, he emerges as a beacon of hope, becoming the nation's first black president. Mandela's journey from prisoner to president is a testament to resilience and the power of peaceful revolution. How did he transform his dream into reality, and what challenges did he overcome to unite a divided nation? Discover the inspiring story of a leader who changed the world.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2017

Mama Africa!

By Kathryn Erskine, Charly Palmer (Illustrator)

A singer's voice challenges apartheid's grip.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2018)

48 pages· 1,539 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

4.1 Goodreads · 382 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Miriam Makeba, known as Mama Africa, uses her powerful voice to fight apartheid's brutal grip. From jazz clubs in Johannesburg to the United Nations, she stands beside icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., raising her voice against injustice. This biography captures her defiant spirit and unwavering commitment to equality, offering a vivid glimpse into her life and legacy. How did one voice shake the world, and can it continue to inspire change today?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Grandad Mandela

By Ambassador Zindzi Mandela, Zazi and Ziwelene Mandela, Zondwa Mandela, Sean Qualls (Illustrator)

Two children discover their great-grandfather's legacy as a freedom fighter and global icon.

40 pages· 1,299 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.1 Goodreads · 213 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Zazi and Ziwelene, curious about their great-grandfather, ask their grandmother 15 questions about Nelson Mandela. Through their eyes, we learn of Mandela's journey from freedom fighter to President and Nobel laureate. As they uncover his story, they realize they can continue his legacy of peace and forgiveness. This unique perspective celebrates Mandela's life and inspires a new generation to carry on his work.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2014

The Soccer Fence

By Phil Bildner, Jesse Joshua Watson (Illustrator)

A boy's soccer dreams clash with apartheid's barriers in South Africa.

40 pages· 1,015 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 233 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Hector, a young soccer enthusiast from Johannesburg, dreams of playing beyond his township's limits. Apartheid's grip makes this impossible until Nelson Mandela's release sparks change. As South Africa's Bafana Bafana triumphs in the African Cup of Nations, Hector sees a glimmer of hope. Can sports unite a divided nation and make dreams a reality?

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