Books About Africa · 482 titles considered

The Best Africa Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Africa

A Long Walk to Water
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

Two Sudanese children face perilous journeys for survival and hope.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2011)
128 pages· 20,925 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 108,571 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In Sudan, Nya walks hours daily for water in 2008, while Salva, a 'lost boy' in 1985, treks across Africa seeking safety. Their paths, fraught with danger from rebels and wildlife, eventually converge in a surprising, life-changing encounter. How will their stories of endurance and hope intertwine?
Orange for the Sunsets
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

Two friends face a regime's ultimatum, testing their bond and redefining home.

336 pages· 49,862 words· Est. 7 hour read
6.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 967 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Uganda under Amin's rule, Asha and Yesofu's friendship transcends cultural divides. But when Indians are ordered to leave, their world shatters. As tensions rise and soldiers patrol, Asha clings to the familiar, while Yesofu is torn between loyalty and a hopeful future. With their friendship on the line, can they find the courage to let go?
Safari, So Good!
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Safari, So Good!

By Bonnie Worth, Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator), Joe Mathieu (Illustrator) · The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library series

Join a safari adventure to uncover wild animal secrets with the Cat in the Hat.

48 pages· 1,174 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 170 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Embark on an African safari with the Cat in the Hat, Nick, and Sally. Discover why zebras sleep standing up, how baboons groom, and why hippos love water. This rhyming journey reveals fascinating wildlife facts, sparking curiosity and wonder. Perfect for young explorers eager to learn about the animal kingdom.
Cat Detective
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2018

Cat Detective

By A. B. Greenfield, A. B. Greenfield, Sarah Horne (Illustrator) · Ra the Mighty series

A royal cat and beetle sidekick hunt a thief in ancient Egypt.

240 pages· 28,792 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 835 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In ancient Egypt, Ra, a pampered palace cat, and Khepri, a diligent dung beetle, embark on a comedic quest to solve a jewelry theft. With a young servant girl wrongly accused, Khepri urges Ra to embrace his inner detective. As they unravel the mystery, Ra discovers the thrill of justice, earning the title 'Protector of the Weak.' Can this unlikely duo clear the girl's name and catch the real thief? Dive into a world of humor and history with this mismatched pair on their first adventure.
When Stars Are Scattered
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

When Stars Are Scattered

By Victoria Jamieson (Author/Illustrator), Omar Mohamed, Iman Geddy (Illustrator)

A refugee boy faces a choice: education or staying with his brother.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2020)Cybils Award (2020)Odyssey Honor (2021)Schneider Family Book Honor (2021)
264 pages· 27,175 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.6 Goodreads · 34,103 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a Kenyan refugee camp, Omar dreams of a better future. When offered a chance to attend school, he faces a heart-wrenching decision: pursue education or stay with his nonverbal brother, Hassan. Amidst hardship, Omar must navigate hope and sacrifice, striving to create a sense of family and belonging in a world of uncertainty. Will he seize the opportunity to change their lives, or will the bond with his brother hold him back? This poignant graphic novel explores resilience and the quest for a brighter tomorrow.
Anna Hibiscus
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

Anna Hibiscus

By Atinuke, Lauren Tobia (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Anna Hibiscus series

A young girl in Africa dreams of seeing snow amidst her vibrant family life.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2011)
112 pages· 7,589 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,538 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Anna Hibiscus lives in bustling West Africa with her lively family. Amidst seaside adventures and family gatherings, Anna dreams of experiencing snow. As she navigates her colorful world, will her wish come true? Join Anna on her heartwarming journey filled with laughter, love, and the longing for something extraordinary.
Akata Witch
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Akata Witch

By Nnedi Okorafor · Book #1 in the The Nsibidi Scripts series

A young girl discovers her magical powers and must stop a criminal who wields magic too.

349 pages· 70,715 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 39,149 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sunny, an albino girl in Nigeria, feels out of place until she discovers her magical abilities. Joining a group of young magic students, she learns to alter reality. But when a dangerous criminal with magic threatens their world, can they stop him in time? Dive into a world where magic and reality intertwine, and every choice could mean life or death.
Listening for Lions
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

Listening for Lions

By Gloria Whelan

Orphaned in Africa, Rachel faces deception and danger in England. Can she reclaim her life and return home?

208 pages· 45,280 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 4,394 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1918 British East Africa, young Rachel Sheridan loses her parents to influenza and is ensnared in a deceitful plot by greedy neighbors. Forced to impersonate a deceased girl in England, Rachel must navigate a web of lies to survive. Her journey from victim to heroine is fraught with danger and deception. Will her courage and wit be enough to reclaim her identity and find her way back to Africa? This gripping tale of resilience and empowerment will keep you on the edge of your seat as Rachel fights to take control of her destiny.
The Egypt Game
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

The Egypt Game

By Zilpha Keatley Snyder, Alton Raible (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Game series

A game inspired by ancient Egypt turns mysterious when strange events unfold.

Newbery Honor (1968)
240 pages· 42,223 words· Est. 6 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 36,962 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Melanie and April bond over their love for ancient Egypt, creating an imaginative game in a deserted storage yard. As their group of six 'Egyptians' grows, they immerse themselves in costumes and ceremonies. But when eerie occurrences disrupt their play, they must confront whether their game has awakened something real. What secrets lie within their Egypt Game?
The White Giraffe
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 · 7,700 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?
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Africa Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about africa for the youngest readers and listeners.

Safari Animals
Series
Sale price
$999

Safari Animals

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Discover animals and create endless designs with a safe, interactive puzzle book.

An African Alphabet
Sale price
$995

An African Alphabet

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover Africa's animals from A to Z in a vibrant ABC adventure.

The Making of Butterflies
Sale price
$999

The Making of Butterflies

Ages 0–4 · 2023

Discover why the Creator made butterflies in this enchanting folktale.

Safari
Series
Sale price
$999

Safari

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Discover animal family names on a safari adventure.

Textures
Series
Sale price
$999

Textures

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Explore textures on an African safari and discover the world through touch.

The Safari Set
Series
Sale price
$799

The Safari Set

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover the wonders of the Savannah with charming rhymes and vibrant illustrations.

We're Going on a Lion Hunt
Sale price
$1099

We're Going on a Lion Hunt

Ages 2–6 · 1999

Two sisters search for a lion on the African savanna. Will they find it?

You Are My Baby
Series
Sale price
$899

You Are My Baby

Ages 0–3 · 2013

Discover baby animals and their parents in a unique book-within-a-book.

Dinosaur Safari
Series
Sale price
$799

Dinosaur Safari

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Mysterious footprints lead Bizzy Bear on a thrilling dinosaur quest.

View all africa board books
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Africa Picture Books

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

Starry Safari
Sale price
$1600

Starry Safari

Ages 2–5 · 2005

A girl on a safari faces wild animals and bedtime fears. Can she be brave?

A Story, a Story
Sale price
$799

A Story, a Story

Ages 4–8 · 1970

A spider must capture three cunning creatures to bring stories to the world.

The Black Mambas
Sale price
$2099

The Black Mambas

Ages 6–10 · 2025

Unarmed women patrol to protect endangered wildlife from poachers.

Moto and Me
Sale price
$1795

Moto and Me

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A wildlife photographer in Kenya raises a rescued serval kitten and prepares him for life in the wild.

Naming Ceremony
Sale price
$1899

Naming Ceremony

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Amira hopes her chosen name for Baby Sister is special enough amidst a sea of beautiful options.

Dear Black Child
Sale price
$1899

Dear Black Child

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Celebrate the beauty and resilience of Black children worldwide in this empowering tribute.

Greedy Zebra
Series
Sale price
$1099

Greedy Zebra

Ages 5–7 · 1984

Animals find new skins, but one zebra's greed leaves him with scraps.

One Hen
#5 in Series
Sale price
$1899

One Hen

Ages 3–11 · 2008

A small loan transforms a boy's life and his community's future.

Abiyoyo
Sale price
$899

Abiyoyo

Ages 4–8 · 1963

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

Room for Everyone
Sale price
$1799

Room for Everyone

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young boy and his grandfather travel to the beach in a crowded daladala, picking up various passengers and items along the way.

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Africa Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about africa for developing and independent readers.

The Red Pencil
Sale price
$3499

The Red Pencil

Ages 9–12 · 2014

A young girl flees her ravaged village, finding hope in a red pencil.

The Great Cake Mystery
Series
Sale price
$799

The Great Cake Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 2010

A young girl in Botswana solves a mystery at her school with the help of her friends and her own detective skills

Laugh with the Moon
Sale price
$799

Laugh with the Moon

Ages 10–+ · 1974

A girl faces loss and finds hope in the African jungle.

Sea Demon
#1 in Series
Sale price
$2732

Sea Demon

Ages 9–13 · 2013

Elite squad races against time to rescue kidnapped V.I.P.s from pirates.

Breakers of the Code
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1999

Breakers of the Code

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Three animals face a perilous quest to restore balance in Bravelands, where power teeters on a knife's edge.

Akata Woman
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Akata Woman

Ages 12–17 · 2022

A mystical quest threatens the world; Sunny must face impossible odds to save it.

The Hyena Scientist
Series
Sale price
$1899

The Hyena Scientist

Ages 10–12 · 2018

Uncover the truth about misunderstood hyenas through groundbreaking research in a male-dominated field.

View all africa chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about immigration and emigrationBooks about refugeesBooks about albinos and albinismBooks about ancient civilizationsBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about EgyptBooks about family lifeBooks about good and evil