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With the successful release of Marvel’s “Black Panther” in 2018, it seemed to indicate that there exists an audience which is receptive to stories based in Africa. Granted, “Black Panther” is fictional and is based on a character created by Stan Lee, but the film captured the imaginations of audiences nationwide.

One of the central ideas of the “Black Panther” lore as told through its film adaptation was that Wakanda was a kingdom that had successfully isolated itself from the threat of colonization. For many of us who grew up in an education system focused on Africa specifically in relation to Western contact, this might have seemed like a novel idea. It makes for a great story, but it’s certainly nothing new.

In fact, it’s more ancient than anything. European exploration of Africa is commonly referred to as the “Age of Discovery” and began via sea routes in the 15th century. Given modern civilizations first appeared in Mesopotamia (located in modern-day Iraq) around 4000 to 3000 B.C., that leaves room for thousands and thousands of years of stories about African culture that have nothing to do with the modern Western world. It’s a fascinating part of history that is often overlooked in K-12 education, most often reduced to the history of Ancient Egypt.

Ancient Egypt is an amazing subject to study, but there are many other incredible areas of Africa to learn more about, both old and new. If your child has an interest in African stories, here are a few children’s books that contain stories about modern day Africa as well as stories that tell of African cultural roots.

Ages 4 and older

“Ostrich and Lark” by Marilyn Nelson – A picture book about an unlikely friendship.

“The Water Princess” by Susan Verde – Princess Gie Gie rises early each morning to collect water and bring it back home.

“Sense Pass King: A Story from Cameroon” by Katrin Tchana – Sense Pass King is a girl who possesses extraordinary intelligence and gifts that surpass those of even the king’s.

“A Messob’s Gift to Lula’s Friend” by Kiazpora – An introduction to traditional basketry.

“Rain School” by James Rumford – On the first day of school in Chad, Africa the students discover that their first lesson will be to build the school itself.

“Akissi: Tales of Mischief” by Marguerite Abouet – Nothing scares Akissi because she is a true adventurer.

“E is for Ethiopia” by Ashenafi Gudeta – Learn about one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

“The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela” by Cristina Kessler – A tale of people who journey from all over the world to collect the best honey.

Ages 7 and older

“Nzingha” Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595” by Patricia C. McKissack – A young warrior faces the dangers for slave traders that are making their way to her city.

“The Great Cake Mystery” by Alexander McCall Smith – Meet Botswana’s best female detective who navigates mysteries with wisdom and humor.

“A Refugee’s Journey from the Democratic Republic of the Congo” by Ellen Rodger – Eight-year-old Etienne and his family arrive as refugees in Canada.

“Cinderella of the Nile” by Beverley Naidoo – One of the earliest versions of the story of Cinderella.

“When Love Walked the Earth: An African Myth Retold” by Eva Harley Chiphe and Bernadine Okoro – A mythological story of the trials of a king and the power of his queen.

“Nothando’s Journey” by Jill Apperson Manly – A story of Swaziland’s Reed Festival through the eyes of a young girl.

“Sosu’s Call” by Mashack Asare – A young disabled boy who cannot walk finds strength in his drumming ability.