The Zimbabwean author Tendai Huchu and Nigerian breakout star Jordan Ifueko are among seven honorees at the 2021 edition of the Children’s Africana Book Awards.

The Awards, created in 1991, 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. The award was established by Africa Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association (ASA) “to encourage the publication and use of accurate, balanced children’s materials about Africa.” The award is based out of the Centre for African Studies at Howard University. Previous honorees include Lupita Nyong’o, Tochi Onyebuchi and Kwei Quartey.

The awards are presented in three categories: Young Children, Older Readers and New Adult.

See the full list of winners below:

Best Book for Young Children;

  • Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker & April Harrison (illus.)
  • Idia of the Benin Kingdom by Ekiuwa Aire & Alina Shabelnyk (illus.)

Honor Books for Young Children

  • The Talking Baobab Tree by Nelda LaTeef
  • The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil & Anait Semirdzhyan (illus.)

Best Book for Older Readers

  • Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

Honor Book for Older Readers

  • When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

Best Book for New Adults

  • The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu

Go here to learn more about the winners and their books.

Congratulations to the winners!