10 MUST-READ BOOKS BY AFRICAN AUTHORS AND IMPORTANT LESSONS WE CAN ALL LEARN

Research has shown that kids who enjoy reading usually perform better at school. These books for children and young adults do more than delight and entertain, they also include wholesome messages to make the world a better place.

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When kids read, it also makes them more creative and they have more vivid imaginations. Their vocabulary is also better than kids who don’t read, as well as their concentration… and they develop empathy, compassion and a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

Here’s our list of great books that will have your kids fascinated, inspired, motivated and entertained!

For ages 0 to 5 years

The River by Tom Percival (Simon & Schuster, R180)

Rowan is a little boy who loves the river. He feels the river is his friend because it’s just like him. Sometimes it’s calm, quiet and still and at other times it seems to feel playful, encouraging him to join in the fun. There are also times when it’s raging, roaring and angry, with strong, swirling currents. But then, one winter the river freezes. And that’s exactly how Rowan is feeling too, because something happened that made him feel dead inside. The question is, can he find a way to free his feelings again, and allow the river its freedom too? 

What we love: A wonderful story for small kids who are dealing with confusing and frightening emotions, with a gentle message of overcoming emotional challenges and hope.

Related article: How to raise little readers

For ages 0 to 6 years

Bau and the Baobab by Lesley Beake, illustrated by Ann Walton (Tafelberg, R95)

Little kids will love this one, especially those with a fondness for animals and games! They can join Bau in her game of hide and seek as she tries to identify animals by their footprints and the tracks they make. This one’s perfect for beginner readers who enjoy a bit of interactive mystery. Which animals can they identify, and can they find an elephant who’s hiding very cunningly…? 

What we love: A lovely way to introduce kids to the wonders of nature and encourage them to care and have respect for other living beings.

On My Papa’s Shoulders by Niki Daly (Tafelberg, R170)

This book is fabulous for children who have just started school or will be doing so next year. It tells the story of a little boy who loves nothing better than going to school, riding high on his Papa’s shoulders. Of course, he loves his Mama, Gogo and Tata, and walking to school with them is fun, but it’s just not as exciting as going on Papa’s shoulders, with their special way of saying goodbye when they get to school. 

What we love: A reassuring and engaging story for young kids discovering the big wide world.

For ages 6 to 9 years

Hotel Pangolin Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Theodore Key (Tafelberg, R140)

A wonderful story with an environmental nod to the innocent pangolin, who has been unfairly blamed for Covid-19. The impulsive, quick-thinking aardvark and the shy, cautious pangolin decide to open a hotel on the African savannah. 

What we love: This is a warm and funny book that holds valuable lessons about individuality and how friendship can break down barriers. Because of tiny gifts left by other animals who visit the hotel, the guarded pangolin eventually learns to appreciate what true friendship is about, and realises how our differences make us all special. 

Be a Virus Warrior! A Guide to Keeping Healthy by Alix Wood (Human & Rousseau, R90)

The Covid-19 pandemic we’ve lived through for the past couple of years has presented parents with the challenge of educating their children about viruses without making them overly fearful, worried and anxious. Sound like you? Then this book is what you need. 

What we love: It explains clearly, sensitively and age-appropriately exactly what a virus is and how we can keep ourselves safe. With tips for kids on how to keep themselves and their homes germ-free as well as the importance of stopping viruses from spreading, it’s a practical handbook that will help allay children’s fears and empower them with knowledge.

Related article: Why libraries make life better

For ages 9 to 12 years

An Anansi Mystery: The Haunted Library by Bontle Senne, illustrated by Mogau Kekana (Human & Rousseau, R160)

Twin sisters Karabo and Siphe overhear construction workers complaining about strange things happening at the site where the new library is being built. They decide to find out what’s going on, and along with their friend Bandile and his trained police dog, Zuko, they sneak into the building… They find that strange things are indeed happening, and they’re in the middle of a magical adventure involving dancing ghosts, dangerous missions and a very strange mythical creature. 

What we love: A beautiful story about friendship and our bond with animals, that’s written for kids with enquiring minds – and adults who appreciate clever references and wordplay. 

For ages 10 to 12 years

The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold (HarperCollins, R255)

A heartwarming story about a boy, Rio, who has been sent to live with a grandmother he hardly knows in another city while his mother is in hospital. He feels lost, alone and sad until he meets Marina and goes whale-watching with her and her dad. Rio has a wonderful encounter with a huge, magnificent, gentle whale named White Beak that changes his life. But then White Beak goes missing, and Rio finds himself on a quest to find the whale and also somehow save his mom. 

What we love: A beautiful animal adventure about the mutually beneficial connection between humans and animals, with important ecological messages for kids and adults.

You’re Not the Boss of Me! By Catherine Wilkins (Nosy Crow, R205)

This one packs a hefty girl-power punch! Amy has a great sense of humour and she’s determined to be the star of the Lower School Comedy Review. But the drama teacher puts the horrible Harry in charge of the production, and he decides not to let Amy take part in any of the fun. Amy is sorely disappointed and doesn’t understand why – but then her sister explains that Harry is being sexist. He thinks he’s better than girls. Amy thinks – and knows – differently, and Harry’s in for a big surprise and a dented ego when she fights back for her right to make people laugh. 

What we love: The author being a stand-up comedian herself, this brilliantly funny book is a hugely satisfying read for anyone who believes in gender equality.

For ages 14+ years

The Swim Team by Catherine Jarvis (Tafelberg, R230)

Khetiwe is 16 when she wins a swimming scholarship to a fancy private school in Johannesburg and goes to stay there as a boarder. The swimming captain, Farrah, is a thoroughly nasty girl whose privilege has done nothing to make her a better person, and she sets about making Khetiwe’s life as miserable as possible. She makes constant references to Khetiwe being ‘poor’, belittles her swimming talent and makes her the butt of endless cruel jokes. Then Farrah’s ex-boyfriend takes a liking to Khetiwe, and Farrah’s attacks get even more vicious. 

What we love: This book put bullying and ‘othering’ firmly under the spotlight and has an uplifting message of tolerance and acceptance triumphing over meanness and small-mindedness. 

Related article: Why reading is important for children

UNolali by Thulani Simayile (Tafelberg, R230)

Translated as ‘Country Bumpkin’, this book (available in isiXhosa) is a very deserving winner of the 2021 Silver Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature. Velile hates school. He’s a lot older than the other kids in his grade, and he’s mercilessly bullied. Despite his disadvantages, he manages to become one of the top students in the region – but a series of bad choices and unhealthy friendships lead to his involvement in gambling and illegal mining, and he’s suspended from school. After allowing a snake to spit on him (which is meant to make him wealthy), he ends up in hospital, where a chance meeting with an old friend gives him the opportunity to turn his life around. A memorable story about the power of education and redemption.

Imali yezipoki by Sandile Ngwenya (Tafelberg, R230)

Translated as ‘The Ghost’s Treasure’, this one is also available in isiXhosa. Billed as ‘African magical realism and rural-urban thriller’, it won the 2021 Gold Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature. With the help of a witch doctor, Sgegede digs up his late grandfather’s stash of buried Kruger rands. He gets clever IT friends to convert them to cash. But his family’s sudden wealth doesn’t go unnoticed by the community. Meanwhile, Sgegede is plagued by a guilty conscience – and it turns out his late grandfather might have been involved in the murder. To make matters worse, some old ‘friends’ turn up, looking for the coins…

What we love: This book carries valuable lessons about the pitfalls of greed.


By Lynne Clement Stafford