Books About South Africa · 24 titles considered

The Best South Africa Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

Who Was Nelson Mandela?
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
4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,681 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
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
4.6/5 Goodreads · 291 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Who Was Nelson Mandela?

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
4.2/5 Goodreads · 988 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
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
4.5/5 Goodreads · 147 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2019

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime

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

304 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 10,035 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
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
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,766 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 8–11 · 2019

Hector

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
4.3/5 Goodreads · 224 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
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 Award (2018)
48 pages· 1,539 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 383 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Grandad Mandela

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
4.1/5 Goodreads · 214 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2014

The Soccer Fence

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

40 pages· 1,015 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 233 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
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South Africa Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about south africa for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Nelson Mandela

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A boy's journey to change a nation and fight for equality.

Nelson Mandela

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A rebel's journey from prison to presidency in the fight for equality.

Living in . . . South Africa

Ages 5–7 · 2016

Explore South Africa through a child's eyes in this vibrant journey of culture and adventure.

Here Comes Lolo

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A young girl named Lolo has three adventures in which she learns valuable lessons about kindness, honesty, and responsibility.

At the Crossroads

Ages 4–8 · 1991

Children wait at a crossroads, longing for their fathers' return from the mines.

Nelson Mandela

Ages 8–12 · 2012

Discover Mandela's journey from prisoner to president in the fight for equality.

Nelson Mandela

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Discover the journey of a leader who fought apartheid and changed a nation.

A Plan for the People

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A leader's fight for freedom against apartheid's oppression.

View all south africa picture books
Browse by age

South Africa Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about south africa for developing and independent readers.

A Journey Under the Sea

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Dive into the ocean's mysteries and discover nature's hidden wonders.

Hooray for Lolo

Ages 6–8 · 2020

A curious girl navigates friendship, family, and new adventures with humor and heart.

The Story of Nelson Mandela

Ages 6–9 · 2021

A young boy's journey to becoming a symbol of justice and unity in South Africa.

Small Mercies

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Mercy must find her voice to save her home and herself from unraveling secrets.

In Black and White
Sale price
$2899

In Black and White

2021

A young dreamer defies apartheid laws to revolutionize the film industry.

Nelson Mandela

Ages 7–11 · 2018

From prisoner to president, Mandela's journey defies adversity.

Keep exploring
Books about apartheidBooks about family lifeBooks about historyBooks about mythical creaturesBooks about wildlife conservation

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