Best Children's African History Fiction Books of 2025

A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story is a Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park's powerful novel that tells the stories of two Sudanese children who overcome mortal dangers to improve their lives and the lives of others. The book is based on the true story of Salva Dut, who went on to found Water for South Sudan. The book interweaves the stories of two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. Despite the hardships, the novel delivers a memorable portrait of two children in Sudan and a stirring contemporary dimension. It is a must-read for children and adults alike.

The first book of the "Future Hero" series is a thrilling adventure for younger fans of "Black Panther" and "Last Gate of the Emperor." Jarell, a boy who feels out of place in his world, finds a hidden portal in his local barbershop that transports him to a magical world where everyone believes he is the hero they've been waiting for. With powerful gods and dangerous creatures, Jarell must navigate this new world to fulfill his destiny. Highly illustrated and full of action, "Future Hero" is a unique and exciting addition to the children's action and adventure genre.

The Door of No Return is the first book in a trilogy that tells the story of Kofi, an 11-year-old boy living in a village in Upper Kwanta. After a tragic event, Kofi finds himself on a journey across land and sea, away from everything he loves. Inspired by Ghanaian history, this spellbinding novel in verse by Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Kwame Alexander is an excellent choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups. The Door of No Return is a masterful work of storytelling that moves readers with joy, fear, sadness, hope, and love for the brave, resilient boy at its heart.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a masterpiece that takes readers on a journey through the Congo River into the Heart of Africa. The story follows Charles Marlow's quest to locate the ivory trader Kurtz, who is managing a remote outpost deep in the jungle. As Marlow ventures further down the Congo, he finds himself and his surroundings increasingly untethered. Conrad's narrative style and focus on the psychological lives of his protagonists have been highly influential on other authors. Heart of Darkness is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the costs of imperialism and colonialism.

An American Story by Kwame Alexander is a powerful picture book that tells the story of American slavery through the voice of a teacher. The book portrays the struggles, strength, horror, and hope of the African American community throughout the history of slavery. The stunning mixed-media illustrations by Dare Coulter add depth to the story. The book is a necessary read for all ages and can be used in classrooms and homeschooling. Overall, An American Story is a thought-provoking and sensitive take on a devastating chapter of U.S. history that deserves a place in every library.

In "Treasure Hunters: The Greatest Treasure Hunt," the Kidd family competes against their rivals, the Collier Kids, for the title of the world's greatest treasure hunting kids. However, their family name is at stake due to a mistake made by their great-grandfather. James Patterson's bestselling series delivers a fun-filled adventure with a fast-paced plot, short chapters, and copious illustrations. The loyalty of the Kidd family and humor make this series stand out. Overall, this book is a great addition to the children's siblings book category and is highly recommended for adventure-loving readers.

The Red Pencil is a poignant and powerful story inspired by true tales of life in Sudan. Amira, the main character, faces unimaginable horrors when her village is attacked by Janjaweed. After losing nearly everything, she embarks on a long journey on foot to a refugee camp. However, the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind to all kinds of possibilities and gives her the strength to keep going. This book is an essential purchase, as it captures the magic of possibility, even in difficult times. The author, Andrea Davis Pinkney, and illustrator, Shane W. Evans, bring Amira's thoughts and drawings to life, making this book a soulful story that will stay with readers long after they've finished it.

This book, titled "Inspiring True Stories Book for 6 Year Old Girls!: I am 6 and Amazing" is an inspirational collection of stories about courage, self-love, and self-confidence. Written in a simple and entertaining way, it is ideal for group or individual reading. The stories are based on real people and situations, making it easy for girls to identify with the characters. The book includes motivational first-person statements and eye-catching illustrations to help readers develop positive identities. It encourages girls to overcome their fears, gain confidence in themselves, believe in their dreams and hopes, and appreciate the value of family and friendship. Overall, this book is a must-read for young girls who want to develop their inner strength and shine their inner light in their corner of the world.

If you're looking for a book that will inspire and encourage your 8-year-old girl, "I am 8 and Amazing" is the perfect choice. This book is a collection of inspiring stories about girls who faced their fears, showed courage, and gained self-confidence. The stories are written in a simple and entertaining way for both adults and kids, making it ideal for group or individual reading. The book also includes eye-catching illustrations and motivational first-person statements to help readers develop positive identities. Overall, this book is a great tool to help young girls overcome their fears and believe in themselves!

In "Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time," Linda Sue Park offers a picture book companion to her acclaimed novel "A Long Walk to Water." This story follows Nya, a young South Sudanese girl, who embarks on a journey to fetch water for her family. Along the way, her little sister falls ill, making the task of carrying the full water vessel impossible. Through determination and persistence, Nya discovers that taking one step at a time can lead her home. The book features bold and beautiful illustrations by Brian Pinkney, which bring to life the dry and barren landscape of South Sudan. This poignant and thought-provoking story inspires empathy and social consciousness among young readers.