Why am I passionate about this?

As a Kenyan/American raised in both countries, I noticed growing up that there was very little creative content about Africa. Whilst in Kenya, I experienced much joy and fun in the culture and felt that other people in other parts of the world would also enjoy it. Loving reading, drawing, comics, and movies, I felt it would be useful to create such content about Africa. I was very fortunate to study arts at an undergraduate and graduate level in the US. This formal training, combined with extensive travel around Africa and the diaspora, has informed my sense of book and film creation and appreciation. I hope you enjoy this book list that I’ve curated!


I wrote

A Tasty Maandazi

By Kwame Nyong'o,

Book cover of A Tasty Maandazi

What is my book about?

Have you ever wondered what life is like in East Africa? Food is a very central and important aspect of…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Take Me Home

Kwame Nyong'o Why did I love this book?

As a child, Take Me Home was my most favorite storybook. The way that the creators show the relationship between a father and son, and how they work together to achieve the goal of creating a matatu bus (a public transport bus common throughout Africa) is so palpably endearing. Set in 1970’s Kenya, the story offers a heartfelt slice of life that inspired me to want to go to Kenya and soak up the sights and sounds and be a part of this wonderfully intimate world. Unfortunately, the book is currently out of print, but if you can find a used copy out there it will be so well worth it.

By Nereas Gicoru,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Take Me Home as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Sulwe

Kwame Nyong'o Why did I love this book?

I really love Sulwe because of how it delves into a theme that is hardly ever addressed in children’s books: that of skin tone. The story illuminates how all skin shades, whether dark, medium, or light, are equally beautiful. I also find the aesthetics of the book very attractive, the wonderful illustrations with all the little nuances in the rendering of the attires, the props, and environment. This book offers an enchanting glimpse into life in contemporary Kenya, one not to be missed.

By Lupita Nyong'o, Vashti Harrison (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Sulwe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

From Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colourism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.

Sulwe's skin is the colour of midnight. She's darker than everyone in her family, and everyone at school.

All she wants is to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister.

Then a magical journey through the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

In this stunning debut picture book, Lupita Nyong'o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.


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Book cover of Me and The Times: My wild ride from elevator operator to New York Times editor, columnist, and change agent (1967-97)

Me and The Times by Robert W. Stock,

Me and The Times offers a fresh perspective on those pre-internet days when the Sunday sections of The New York Times shaped the country’s political and cultural conversation. Starting in 1967, Robert Stock edited seven of those sections over 30 years, innovating and troublemaking all the way.

His memoir is…

Book cover of The Wooden Camel

Kwame Nyong'o Why did I love this book?

Etabo dreams of being a camel racer but is thwarted by the fact that his family must now sell their camels because of impending drought.

What I find so interesting about this book is how the narrative does such an amazing job of showing a slice of life amongst the Turkana, a remote people in the deserts of Northwest Kenya. So very little of these amazing people have ever been shown in children’s literature and so I was so captivated by how this book gives such a great opportunity to peek into their world, illuminated by the tender illustrations and enthralling theme of not giving up on one's aspirations.

By Wanuri Kahiu, Manuela Adreani (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Wooden Camel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Etabo dreams of being a camel racer. One day he might even beat his older brother when they race. But with the price of water rising, Etabo's father must sell the camels, and his siblings must find work. What will Etabo do now? From acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu and Italian illustrator Manuela Adreani, this story of love and hope centers on the inspiring Turkana people of northwest Kenya. Told with gentleness and humor, it is a universal story about keeping one's dreams alive.


Book cover of Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti

Kwame Nyong'o Why did I love this book?

Anansi the Spider is one of the classic African stories that inspired me to go into storytelling as a career. Reading this book, and watching its animated counterpart as a child, totally enthralled me. The combination of the bright, bold colours and graphical aesthetic, with the mystique of the folklore felt just like magic to me. The fable told here comes off as profound yet funny and quirky. This book is a must for anyone interested in fables and African folklore in particular.

By Gerald McDermott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Anansi the Spider as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Anansi, one of the great folk heroes of the world, is saved from a terrible fate by his six sons in this traditional tale from West Africa.


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Book cover of Haven

Haven by Valerie Biel,

Taking only what they can quickly pack, 11-year-old Mardella and her mom secretly move away from their abusive home to start a fresh life in Haven, MN. But Mardella’s sure she's to blame—if only she hadn’t dialed 911, her dad wouldn’t be in jail, her mom wouldn't have been fired,…

Book cover of Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book

Kwame Nyong'o Why did I love this book?

This well acclaimed and award-winning book by Muriel Feelings is great for anyone interested in learning about culture through language. What I love so much about this book is its simplicity. The book teaches how to count up to ten in Swahili, using East African imagery and culture, and it has pronunciation keys as well. The detailed monochromatic illustrations create a mood of awe and reverie.

By Muriel Feelings, Tom Feelings (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Moja Means One as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. The Swahili words for the first ten numbers are introduced together with information on East African culture


Explore my book 😀

A Tasty Maandazi

By Kwame Nyong'o,

Book cover of A Tasty Maandazi

What is my book about?

Have you ever wondered what life is like in East Africa? Food is a very central and important aspect of life in this part of the world and is used to celebrate the local culture in A Tasty Maandazi.

A Tasty Maandazi is a day-in-the-life story of a young boy, Musa, and his quest to get his favorite treat—a maandazi! Set in the magical coastal area of Kenya, Musa finds that he must use his creativity in order to get his hands on this famously tasty African donut. A Tasty Maandazi also features a Swahili-English translation dictionary for the few Swahili words that are sprinkled throughout the story, as well as a maandazi recipe for everyone to try out and enjoy!

Book cover of Take Me Home
Book cover of Sulwe
Book cover of The Wooden Camel

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Interested in Kenya, Africa, and counting?

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Africa 269 books
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