What are the features of good books and materials about Africa?

How can you know whether a book, a text, a resource, or other material about Africa is accurate and does not fall into stereotypes and misrepresentations? This page can help!

First, you should know that Africa Access has been documenting children’s and youth books about Africa since its foundation in 1989. It is the best source for reviews of children, youth, and young adult books on Africa. It co-hosts the Children Africana Book Awards with Howard University as its institutional home, and has established a wonderful list of high quality books. Second, see the checklist below.

Checklist for Teachers: What to Look For in Texts about Africa

Direct link to this Google Document: What are the Features of Good books and Materials about Africa?

Checklist for Students: What makes a good book about Africa?

You can also use this elementary student checklist with your own students! Here is a modified checklist for grades 3-5.

Direct link to this document is here.

Compiled by Elsa Wiehe, adapted from existing resources from Africa Access & Dr. Barbara Brown, Boston University.