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6 Amazing African Adventures

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Author Abiola Bello picks six brilliant books set in African countries 

Abiola Bello

I love that there are many contemporary books that show young people from different backgrounds on great adventures. There have been some real stand-out stories set in Africa, but I find there are lots of books set in West Africa and not many set in East. The first book of my Wild Magic series is set in Ethiopia. I really wanted to celebrate and highlight the vibrant culture of Ethiopia and the beautiful animals that live there, such as the very rare black lion. 

I’ve got a few books that showcase African adventures that I want to highlight. Great books that you should go and add to your book pile! 

  • Too Small Tola

    by Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu 

    2020 5 to 9 years 

    • Around the world
    • Funny
    • Short stories

    In this lovely collection of short stories, a young Nigerian girl – tired of the nickname ​‘Too Small Tola’- proves that, despite her small stature, she has a mighty personality and a big heart.

I love this series! It’s so cute and charming. Tola may be small but she always saves the day. Whether it’s the faucets breaking in the apartment block or the tailor needing help with his customers, only Tola can help. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her brother, sister and Grandmommy. 

  • Our Story Starts in Africa

    by Patrice Lawrence, illustrated by Jeanetta Gonzales 

    2022 5 to 9 years 

    • Historical

    A perfectly pitched story of Black history that brings it back to the personal for a little girl.

This book shows a young girl Paloma going to Trinidad, where her Tante Janet explains their history – that their ancestors came from Africa to the Caribbean and experienced slavery and colonisation. Such an important story for young people. 

  • Future Hero: Race to Fire Mountain

    by Remi Blackwood, illustrated by Alicia Robinson 

    2022 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Fantasy
    • Science fiction

    Inspired by African mythology, this fast-paced adventure combines magic and futuristic technology to create a compelling fantasy tale, which will leave readers desperate for the next instalment. 

For anyone that loves Black Panther, this book is the one for you. Jarell loves to doodle and the fantasy world he loves to draw is Ulfrika – and it’s real! It’s the ancient-future realm of his ancestors and Jarell is the descendant of Kundi. The task of saving Ulfrika’s land from the clutches of the evil sorcerer Ikala lies on Jarell’s shoulders. 

  • Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka

    by Davina Tijani, illustrated by Adam Douglas-Bagley 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books

    Yomi, aged around 10 and her younger brother Kay are spending the summer with their Uncle Olu who is a Nkara (dragon) researcher travelling the world lecturing on African studies. They are in The Gambia’s capital city Banjul when Yomi sees Ninki Nanka, the famous and ferocious water dragon and realises it is in trouble.

This is a really fun book! Yomi and Kay spend the summer with their uncle in The Gambia. Their uncle is a Nkara researcher and he travels the world lecturing. That’s what Yomi and Kay think! Their uncle is actually fighting Beast Hunters who want to destroy Nkara. Perfect for those who want to lean more about the mythology of The Gambia. Loved the illustrations as well! 

  • Jummy At the River School

    by Sabine Adeyinka, illustrated by Hanako Clulow 

    2022 9 to 14 years 

    • Around the world

    Jummy is thrilled to get a place at top Nigerian boarding school The River School, but how can she make sure her best friend Caro gets to go there too? An absolutely joyous book that will put a wide smile on my face. 

I remember being so excited to read this book because my mum went to an all-girls boarding school in Nigeria that she always talks about. Jummy goes to a prestigious boarding school but then sees her friend Caro, who can’t afford to attend, working there as a maid. There’s a great message of resilience and compassion but it’s also funny and full of mischief. 

Wild Magic: The Legend of the Black Lion by Abiola Bello  

I have to highlight my lovely book! Set in Ethiopia, twins Misha and Ziggy help their wildlife presenter dad to find the legendary black lion. Misha can speak to animals and Ziggy can shapeshift into them! When the black lion goes missing, Misha and Ziggy go to find him but there are others trying to find the black lion as well. Perfect for anyone that loves animals and wants to learn more about what we can do to protect them. 

Wild Magic: Legend of the Black Lion by Abiola Bello, illustrated by Emma McCann, is out now.