Books About African People

The Best African People Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about african people? 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.

#5 in Series

#3 in Series

#4 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About African People

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Home in a Lunchbox

By Cherry Mo

A young immigrant finds comfort and belonging through familiar meals in a new world.

Caldecott Honor (2025)

40 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,418 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Jun, a young girl from Hong Kong, faces the daunting challenge of adapting to a new school in America with only a few English words. Her lunchbox, filled with familiar dishes like bao and dumplings, becomes a comforting reminder of home. As she navigates this foreign environment, Jun discovers that the taste of home can bridge the gap between cultures, offering unexpected connections and friendships. Will these small comforts help her find her place in this new world? This beautifully illustrated tale explores the universal themes of belonging and the power of food to connect us all.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

All Four Quarters of the Moon

By Shirley Marr

A girl navigates family changes and cultural shifts, seeking her place in a new world.

368 pages· 57,927 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 202 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Peijing Guo's life changed after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Now in Australia, her family faces challenges: her sister needs guidance, her grandmother forgets, and her parents struggle with new roles. As Peijing tries to hold them together, she wonders where she fits in this shifting landscape. Can she find her place amidst the chaos and keep her family whole?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Mistletoe and Murder

By Robin Stevens · Book #5 in the Murder Most Unladylike series

A festive holiday turns deadly as two young detectives race to solve a murder before Christmas dinner.

368 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 10,230 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In snowy Cambridge, young detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong anticipate a peaceful holiday. But when a supposed accident at Maudlin College reveals itself as murder, the Detective Society must unravel the mystery. With Christmas dinner looming and rival sleuths on their heels, Daisy and Hazel face a race against time. Can they outsmart the adults and catch the killer before the festive feast? Dive into a thrilling holiday mystery where danger lurks behind every corner and the stakes are as high as the holiday spirit.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

First Class Murder

By Robin Stevens · Book #3 in the Murder Most Unladylike series

A murder on the Orient Express. Can two young detectives solve it before the killer strikes again?

336 pages· 59,496 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 12,664 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are on the Orient Express when a passenger is murdered and her ruby necklace vanishes. With a train full of suspicious characters and rumors of a spy, the young detectives must unravel the mystery before the killer escapes or strikes again. But they're not the only ones on the case. Can the Wells & Wong Detective Society outsmart their competition and catch the culprit in time?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

Imani's Moon

By Janay Brown-Wood, Hazel Mitchell (Illustrator)

A small girl defies doubts to reach for the moon.

32 pages· 1,123 words· Est. 13 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 413 ratings

$7.95Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a village where size defines worth, Little Imani dreams big. Mocked for her stature, she finds solace in her mother's tales of Olapa and Anansi, who achieved the impossible. Inspired, Imani embarks on a daring quest to touch the moon, proving that belief in oneself can conquer any challenge. Will she succeed in her celestial journey?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Top Marks for Murder

By Robin Stevens · Book #8 in the Murder Most Unladylike series

A murder threatens Deepdean School's future. Can the young detectives save it?

368 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,619 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Returning to Deepdean School, Daisy and Hazel face a changed world. A murder linked to the school's anniversary celebration threatens its closure. As old grudges and secrets resurface, the girls must unravel the mystery to save their beloved school. Will they succeed before it's too late?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

The People Remember

By Ibi Zoboi, Loveis Wise (Illustrator)

Discover the journey of African descendants through Kwanzaa's principles.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2022)

64 pages· 1,996 words· Est. 23 min read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 654 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Embark on a powerful journey with 'The People Remember,' where African descendants' history in America intertwines with Kwanzaa's seven principles. From the harrowing beginnings in Africa to the creation of a vibrant culture in a new land, this lyrical narrative celebrates survival, joy, and innovation. Through vivid illustrations, explore how these principles shaped a resilient community, offering young readers a deeper understanding of African American history and its connection to today's social justice movements. What traditions and memories will you uncover in this poignant tribute?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Key Player

By Kelly Yang · Book #4 in the Front Desk series

Mia must score interviews with secretive soccer teams to boost her grade and unite her dual identities.

CALA Best Book Award (Chinese American Librarians Association) Honor (2023)

288 pages· 61,300 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,764 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Mia Tang is caught in a whirlwind as the Women's World Cup finals approach in Southern California. With her P.E. grade at risk, she devises a plan to interview the elusive U.S. and China teams to secure her spot at journalism camp. Meanwhile, her family's dream of homeownership faces unexpected hurdles, and Mr. Yao's return complicates life at the motel. As Mia navigates these challenges, she must confront prejudice and her own fears. Can she unite her two worlds and achieve her goals, or will the obstacles prove too great? Discover Mia's journey to triumph.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2007

14 Cows for America

By Carmen Agra Deedy, Thomas Gonzalez (Illustrator)

A distant village offers an unexpected gift of hope to a grieving nation post-9/11.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2010)

36 pages· 589 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,570 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a remote Kenyan village, an American diplomat witnesses an extraordinary ceremony. The Maasai people, known for their warrior spirit, present a heartfelt gift to the United States, still reeling from the September 11 attacks. This offering of fourteen cows symbolizes hope and friendship, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. As news of this gesture spreads, it becomes a beacon of light for a nation in mourning. Discover how a simple act of generosity can bridge worlds and heal hearts in this moving true story.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

Nana Akua Goes to School

By Tricia Elam Walker, April Harrison (Illustrator)

A shy girl fears her classmates' reaction to her grandmother's tribal markings.

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2021)

34 pages· 1,244 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,068 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: On Grandparents Day, Zura hesitates to introduce her beloved Nana Akua, whose face bears traditional West African markings. Fearing her classmates' reactions, Zura worries about ridicule. But Nana Akua, with wisdom and a quilt of African symbols, turns potential fear into a celebration of uniqueness, teaching the class about cultural pride and acceptance. Will Zura's classmates embrace the beauty of diversity?

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African People Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about african people for preschool and elementary-age readers.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1599

Papa, Do You Love Me?

Ages 0–12 · 2005

A father and child explore love in Maasai culture.

Sale price

$1499

The Spider Weaver

Ages 8–12 · 2001

Discover the ancient secrets of kente cloth and its royal significance.

Sale price

$999

We All Went on Safari

Ages 4–7 · 2003

Embark on a Tanzanian adventure, counting animals from one to ten.

Sale price

$1799

For You Are a Kenyan Child

Ages 3–7 · 2006

A Kenyan boy's day of adventure distracts him from his duties.

The Lonely Lioness and the Ostrich Chicks

Sale price

$1700

The Lonely Lioness and the Ostrich Chicks

Ages 4–8 · 1996

A lioness steals ostrich chicks. Can Mother Ostrich reclaim them?

Sale price

$1895

The Blue Bowl

Ages 4–7 · 2024

A boy discovers a delicious blend of his two cultures at a family dinner.

Sale price

$1495

The Leopard's Drum

Ages 5–8 · 1996

A tortoise must outwit a leopard to win a divine reward.

Sale price

$1999

Anansi the Spider

Ages 4–7 · 1973

Anansi must decide which son to reward after they save him from danger.

View all african people picture books

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African People Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about african people for developing and independent readers.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$699

Escape from the Great Earthquake

Ages 7–10 · 2017

In San Francisco, 1906, a devastating earthquake strikes, and a young Chinese girl named Lily and a dog named Ranger team up to find her friend's brother and escape the city.