Books have the power to shape a child’s understanding of the world, especially when they reflect the child’s culture, values, and experiences. Nigerian children’s books offer Nigerian children a unique opportunity to connect with their heritage. These stories showcase our history and traditions using characters the kids can relate to, making them important for fostering cultural pride along with literacy. Here’s a curated list of 10 must-read Nigerian books for kids before they turn 10.
Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe
This timeless classic tells the story of Chike, a young boy who lives in Umoufia and is eager to cross the Niger River to explore what lies beyond (Asaba) but lacks the money required for the trip. He eventually embarks on a series of adventures that help him get there. With this book, Chinua Achebe crafts an engaging tale of curiosity, adventure, and the lessons of growing up while also introducing children to themes of courage, friendship, and decision-making.
Ralia the Sugar Girl by Kola Onadipe
The best (and funniest) way to describe this book is as Alice in Wonderland on steroids. Ralia is a little girl whose mother is blind and father’s back is broken. To make things worse, she gets lost in the forest while she’s out gathering firewood and is found by a terrifying witch who offers her shelter in exchange for her sweet singing voice. The plot is just her encountering one insane thing after another until she’s found by her village people and reunited with her parents. The book is a great — though insane — introduction to fantasy for children, and has been a staple on must-read Nigerian books for kids lists for decades.
Eze Goes To School by Onuora Nzekwu and Michael Crowder
Despite the obstacles stacked against him in the form of his rural upbringing and family’s poor financial situation, Eze eventually overcomes and gets access to the quality education he’s always dreamed of. It’s one of the best children’s books with Nigerian characters because it does a good job at inspiring children to value education and also showcases the importance of being resilient.
An African Night’s Entertainment by Cyprian Ekwensi
It’s safe to say that Cyprian Ekwensi snapped with every aspect of this book, but the one thing he snapped the hardest on is how cinematic the story is. Set in Northern Nigeria, this book has desire, a quest for vengeance, a wealthy man searching for his son, and someone’s betrothed wife being snatched. Even better, it introduces kids to the diversity of Nigerian traditions with its setting, making it one of the best children’s books with Nigerian characters.
I’m a Nigerian in Literary Arts by TANI
Strap in because we’re going meta with this one. I’m a Nigerian in Literary Arts by TANI introduces children to Nigeria’s literary icons, like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and Buchi Emecheta, by vividly illustrating the icons’ stories. The goal of the book is to help Nigerian children appreciate Nigerian literature and dream of becoming storytellers themselves, fostering a love for reading and writing early on.
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Dubbed the Nigerian Harry Potter, this book tells the story of Sunny Nwazue, an American-born Nigerian albino girl who discovers she has magical powers and joins a group of children called the Leopard People tasked with saving the world from a magical serial killer. It’s a perfect book for children because it combines Nigerian folklore and fantasy with universal themes of bravery, teamwork, and self-discovery.
The Adventures of Souza by Kola Onadipe
This book is a collection of stories chronicling the childhood adventures of a boy named Souza in the village he grew up in. In it, Souza goes hunting, meets a magician, enrols in a secret cult, and other wacky shenanigans you wouldn’t expect anyone his age to engage in. It’s an important read for children because it helps them see life through the eyes of a relatable character while also encouraging curiosity, resourcefulness, and endurance.
Mother’s Choice by Agbo Areo
Eager for her 11-year-old son, Ade, to get better access to secondary school education, Mrs Ogidi sends her son to a secondary school in England. Ade thrives in school at first until he starts moving with a much older (re: wrong) crowd who get him into consuming copious amounts of alcohol and drugs. The book teaches children the dangers of being friends with and caving to peer pressure from badly-behaved people.
Without a Silver Spoon by Eddie Iroh
This book tells the story of Ure Chokwe, a young boy determined to rise above his humble beginnings and achieve success despite the odds. Through Ure’s journey, children learn the importance of honesty, perseverance, and the belief that one’s circumstances do not define one’s future.
Koku Baboni by Kola Onadipe
Set in a fictional African village, this book tells the story of a young boy named Koku who faces the challenges of a physical disability while navigating life with courage and determination. The story highlights his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and acceptance, teaching children the value of inner strength and kindness. With its vivid storytelling and relatable themes, this book inspires young readers to embrace their uniqueness and overcome adversity.1
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These Nigerian children’s books don’t just entertain — they build a sense of identity, nurture a love for reading, and instil values that guide children through life. With their rich narratives and relatable themes, these stories rank among the best children’s books with Nigerian characters, ensuring that young readers develop pride in their culture. By introducing kids to these books early, parents and educators lay the foundation for a generation connected to their roots while appreciating the transformative power of literature.
