Children’s Africana Books Awards (CABA)

The African Studies Center K-16 Education program supports the Children’s Africana Book Awards (CABA) which are presented annually to the authors and illustrators of the best children’s and young adult books on Africa published or republished in the U.S.

Africa Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association created CABA in 1991 to encourage the publication and use of accurate, balanced children’s materials about Africa. Howard University is the institutional basis for the award.

CABA has three major objectives (1) to encourage the publication of children’s and young adult books that contribute to a better understanding of African societies and issues, (2) to recognize literary excellence, and (3) to acknowledge the research achievements of outstanding authors and illustrators.

Complete list of past CABA winners

For the complete list of past CABA winners, visit the Howard University website here. You will find many good books for young and old!

Sankofa Read-Aloud

This youtube Channel features hundreds of African and African American children’s picture books, including many CABA winners, read-aloud in their entirety. With the closure of most schools and libraries due to Covid-19, children’s need to access high-quality books from home is critical.  This is an excellent resource to promote engagement with African and African American literature. Hear Sankofa Read Alouds here.