The books listed below may be available through publishers, distributors such as bookstores or online retailers, or library systems.

Independent Reading

EASY
Lord of the Dance: An African Retelling
by Veronique Tadjo. Lippincott, 1988
Beautifully illustrated by the author, who comes from the Côte D'Ivoire, this book poetically retells the story of the Senufo people.
Nigeria
by Dorothy Sutherland. Childrens Press, 1995
Discusses the geography, history, people, economy, and customs of this West African nation.
Shaka King of the Zulus
by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema. Morrow Junior, 1988
Using stunning illustrations, the authors retell the story of the powerful nineteenth-century military genius and Zulu chief.
Tanzania
by Jason Laure. Childrens Press, 1994
Discusses the geography, history, government, people, and culture of this East African country.
Two Sides of the River
by David Crippen. Abingdon Press, 1976
The author, who lives in Kenya, tells the story of two feuding Kenyan families who live on opposite sides of a river and must come to terms with the meaning of brotherhood.
AVERAGE
The Cow Tail Switch
by Harold Courlander. Henry Holt and Co., 1947
A collection of seventeen West African stories that tell about humans and animals, kings, warriors, and hunters. Newbery Honor winner.
Falashi No More: An Ethiopian Jewish Child Comes Home
by Arlene Kushner. Shapolsky Books, 1986
This beautifully illustrated book deals with the plight of Ethiopian Jews, their exodus out of Ethiopia to Israel, and their determination to maintain their dual heritage.
The Land and People of South Africa
by Jonathan Paton. Harper and Row, 1990
A well-illustrated, readable introduction to the history, economy, geography, politics, art, and culture of South Africa.
The Land and People of Zimbabwe
by Patricia Cheney. Harper and Row, 1990
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, the author has written a colorful introduction to the history, geography, economy, and culture of this East African country.
Rehema's Journey: A Visit in Tanzania
by Barbara A. Margolies. Scholastic, Inc., 1990
Rehema, a nine-year-old girl who lives in the mountains of Tanzania, accompanies her father to Arusha City and visits the Ngorongoro Crater.
When the Stones Were Soft
by Eleanor Heady. Funk & Wagnalls, 1968
Sixteen East African folktales make up this entertaining collection of stories about the reasons for things.
CHALLENGING
Anwar el-Sadat: A Man of Peace
by Deborah Nodler Rosen. Regensteiner Publications, 1986.
A biography of the Egyptian president who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in ending the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Chain of Fire
by Beverley Naidoo. Lippincott, 1990
In this sequel to Journey to Jo'burg, Naidoo continues the story of Naledi, now fifteen, as her village is forced to move to a barren homeland for the Tswana.
The Legend of Tarik
by Walter Dean Myers. Viking Penguin, 1981
A compelling adventure story about a young boy's quest to avenge the death of his family and regain his rightful place as heir to the kingdom.
Nelson Mandela: No Easy Walk to Freedom
by Barry Denenberg. Scholastic, Inc., 1991
This excellent biography vividly captures the story of Nelson Mandela's struggle for freedom.
Salah of Sierra Leone
by Mary Louise Clifford. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1975
During the election of 1967 in Sierra Leone, a young boy is caught in a conflict of loyalties.
Waiting for the Rain
by Sheila Gordon. Bantam Books, 1987
Tension in South Africa comes between two boyhood friends: Tengo, a black South African, and Frikkie, the landowner's nephew.

Read Aloud and Reference Books

READ ALOUD BOOKS
Somehow Tenderness Survives
by Hazel Rochman. Harper and Row, 1988
Ten fictional and autobiographical stories by both black and white writers portray life under apartheid for ordinary people.
The Village of Round and Square Houses
by Ann Grifalconi. Little, Brown & Co., 1986
Bold, dynamic art and rhythmic storytelling recreate Tos, a village in the remote hills of the Cameroons in Central Africa.
REFERENCE BOOKS
African Journey
by John Chiasson. Bradbury Press, 1987
Photojournalist Chiasson presents his impressions of Africa from a journey through the continent, stopping at six places ranging from rural villages to cosmopolitan cities.
African Kingdoms
by Basil Davidson. Time-Life Books, 1966
This beautifully illustrated text looks at Africa, past and present, with an emphasis on dispelling myths and stereotypes concerning the African land and people.