3 African Picture Books to Celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child
Currently, there are over 1 billion girls under the age of 18. This generation of girls will make up the world largest generation of female leaders and influencers!
The International Day of the Girl Child is a global observance day set by the United Nations to call for more opportunities for girls around the world and to increase awareness to inequity facing the girl child.
Today we wanted to highlight great storybooks that unapologetically celebrate to the diversity of Africa through the lens of the girl child!
Girls to the World: Akua’s Masterpiece by Nigerian children’s book author Oladoyin Oladapo’s study of gender and inequity in education. Wanting to provide girls with the opportunity to see themselves in empowering roles that were inspiring and relatable. In this book we meet the protagonist, Akua who has received a brand new camera after the end of successful year of school. Akua decides to put her new camera to work! Set in the modern-day Ghana, Akua takes the readers to famous landmarks and places in Accra and Cape Coast. In the story we follow Akua on this journey where she learns and grows. Pick up this awesome picture book here.
The Colors of Me: Chi-Chi's Hair by Dr. Stephanie Oguchi is a picture book about a young girl named Chi-Chi who is very excited about showing off her new hairstyle when she gets to school. However, when gets to school, the other students do not seem to appreciate her beautiful style. The story book follows Chi-Chi through her journey to love and embrace her culture. Pick up this lovely picture book here.
Makanaka’s World: Adventures in Morocco by Christine Mapondera Talley is an amazing picture book that takes place in modern-day Morocco. The main character, Makanaka is invited to join a soccer game in Casablanca by her friend Nadia. When Makanaka and her talking parrot, Fari reach the Moroccan city they learn that someone has taken the team’s soccer ball! We love this this story which captures the culture of Morocco and center girls in sports and problem solving! Pick up this book here.