Books About East Africa

The Best East Africa Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about east 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 East 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 · 108,985 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 · 968 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?
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 · 4,400 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.
Brothers in Hope
Sale price
$1990
Picture Book · Ages 7–9 · 2005

Brothers in Hope

By Mary Williams, R Gregory Christie, Gregory Christie (Illustrator)

A young boy leads a perilous journey across war-torn lands, seeking safety and hope.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2006)
40 pages· 3,540 words· Est. 28 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 622 ratings
$20.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In war-torn Sudan, eight-year-old Garang's life is shattered when his village is destroyed. Alone and frightened, he joins a group of boys on a harrowing trek across Africa, seeking refuge in Ethiopia and Kenya. As they face unimaginable dangers, their shared hope and resilience become their guiding light. Will they find a new home, or will the journey break their spirits? "Brothers in Hope" is a powerful tale of survival and the unyielding strength of the human spirit, inspired by the true stories of the Lost Boys of Sudan.
The Pursuit of the Ivory Poachers
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2008

The Pursuit of the Ivory Poachers

By Elizabeth Singer Hunt · Book #6 in the Secret Agent Jack Stalwart series

A cryptic message, a poaching ring, and a race against time in Kenya.

144 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 317 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jack receives a cryptic message from his missing brother, Max, but is soon swept into the heat of Kenya's savannah. There, a Masai chief reveals a grim truth: elephants are being slaughtered for their tusks. Jack must unravel the mystery of the poachers before more majestic creatures fall. Can he balance the search for his brother with the urgent mission to save the elephants, or will he be too late on both fronts?
A Mama for Owen
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

A Mama for Owen

By Marion Dane Bauer, John Butler (Illustrator)

A baby hippo finds unexpected friendship after a tsunami changes everything.

32 pages· 488 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 523 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: After a devastating tsunami separates Owen the baby hippo from his mother, he finds solace in an unlikely friendship with Mzee, a wise old tortoise. As Owen navigates his new world, he discovers that family can be found in the most unexpected places. Will this newfound bond help him heal and embrace a new beginning? Dive into this touching tale of resilience and the power of friendship.
Golden Boy
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–17 · 2013

Golden Boy

By Tara Sullivan

A boy hunted for his difference must find courage and self-acceptance to survive.

384 pages· 88,053 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,311 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Tanzania, thirteen-year-old Habo is different—his light skin makes him a target. Forced from his village, he discovers the terrifying truth: albinos are hunted for their body parts. As a fearsome man with a machete pursues him, Habo must flee across the Serengeti. Can he find safety and learn to embrace his identity in a world that sees him as a curse? Habo's journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and the search for dignity in a society that fears him.
Room for Everyone
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Room for Everyone

By Naaz Khan, Merce Lopez (Illustrator)

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

40 pages· 935 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 873 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Musa and Dada's bus ride to the shore turns into a surprising adventure as they pick up more passengers than they thought possible. With each stop, the bus gets fuller, and Musa wonders how they can fit everyone. Yet, amidst the laughter and chaos, a heartwarming lesson unfolds: there's always room for one more. Join this delightful journey through Zanzibar, where the joy of sharing and community shines brightly in this rhyming tale.
Thea Stilton and the Madagascar Madness
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

Thea Stilton and the Madagascar Madness

By Thea Stilton · Book #24 in the Thea Stilton series

Endangered animals in Madagascar need saving. Can they be rescued in time?

176 pages· 11,995 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 804 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters head to Madagascar for Adventure Camp, eager to explore its rich wildlife. But their excitement turns to urgency when they uncover a threat to endangered animals in the preserve. With time running out, can these adventurous friends protect the vulnerable creatures and solve the mystery lurking in the wilderness?
Thea Stilton and the Journey to the Lion's Den
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2013

Thea Stilton and the Journey to the Lion's Den

By Thea Stilton · Book #17 in the Thea Stilton series

A lion cub is kidnapped on safari. Can they save him?

176 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 1,377 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the heart of Kenya, the Thea Sisters embark on a thrilling safari adventure. When a newborn lion cub is mysteriously kidnapped, the sisters must navigate the vast savanna to rescue him. With time running out, will they uncover the truth and save the cub before it's too late? Join them on a journey filled with danger, friendship, and the wild beauty of Africa.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

East Africa Picture Books

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

14 Cows for America
Sale price
$1795

14 Cows for America

Ages 6–10 · 2007

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

Handa's Surprise
Series
Sale price
$948

Handa's Surprise

Ages 5–8 · 1994

A girl's fruit basket empties as animals steal her treats. What surprise awaits her friend?

My Rows and Piles of Coins
Sale price
$999

My Rows and Piles of Coins

Ages 4–7 · 1999

A boy's dream bicycle teaches him about saving and generosity in a Tanzanian market adventure.

Give Up, Gecko!
Sale price
$1699

Give Up, Gecko!

Ages 4–7 · 2013

Can a tiny gecko succeed where a mighty elephant fails to find water?

Elizabeti's Doll
Series
Sale price
$1195

Elizabeti's Doll

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A girl discovers the depth of her love when her cherished doll goes missing.

Nya's Long Walk
Sale price
$1999

Nya's Long Walk

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A young girl must carry her sick sister and water home, step by step.

The Lion & the Mouse
Sale price
$1999

The Lion & the Mouse

Ages 3–5 · 2009

A mouse saves a lion, proving kindness knows no size.

Beatrice's Goat
Sale price
$899

Beatrice's Goat

Ages 4–8 · 2001

A goat's gift could change a girl's future in Uganda.

Wangari's Trees of Peace
Sale price
$899

Wangari's Trees of Peace

Ages 4–7 · 2008

A woman returns to find forests gone and begins a movement with nine seedlings.

The Wooden Camel
Sale price
$1799

The Wooden Camel

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A boy's dream of camel racing is threatened when his family must sell their camels.

As Big as the Sky
Sale price
$1695

As Big as the Sky

Ages 4–18 · 2020

Separated siblings find hope in generosity and dreams of reunion.

Elizabeti's School
Series
Sale price
$1195

Elizabeti's School

Ages 4–8 · 1998

A young girl faces her first day of school, torn between excitement and missing home.

View all east africa picture books
Browse by age

East Africa Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about east africa for developing and independent readers.

Tales of East Africa
Series
Sale price
$2295

Tales of East Africa

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Discover magical tales of East Africa where heroes face monsters, animals cause chaos, and the impossible becomes reality.

The Elephant Girl
Sale price
$1699

The Elephant Girl

Ages 9–12 · 2022

A girl and an elephant face blame for a tragic stampede. Can they find redemption?

Two Tales, One Dog
Series
Sale price
$799

Two Tales, One Dog

Ages 6–8 · 2016

A magic bone sends Sparky on wild adventures in Tanzania and India.

Jack and the Wild Life
Series
Sale price
$1795

Jack and the Wild Life

Ages 9–12 · 2014

Stranded in Kenya, Jack faces wild animals and questions his family's risky decisions.

Mosquitoes Don't Bite Me
Sale price
$1295

Mosquitoes Don't Bite Me

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A girl immune to mosquito bites faces danger and ethical dilemmas in Kenya.

View all east africa chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about immigration and emigrationBooks about orphansBooks about prejudice and racismBooks about race and ethnicityBooks about reaching your potential (self-actualization)Books about refugeesBooks about resilience