Reviews of Additional Books for Footprints (ages 8-14)
This is list of South African child literature to add to your South African studies, especially if you are using Footprints – The Early Years
Most of these books are out of print but, you can enjoy them by borrowing them from the library.
Please note: This list of South African child literature is copyrighted which means that you cannot copy and paste it into an email and send it out to eloops and friends. However, please feel free to send your friends a link from this page!
If you would like to suggest a title to add to this list of South African child literature, please contact us.
SA Children’s Literature for ages 4-8
Fiction
Seekers of the Lost Boy, by Taryn Hayes
Written by a homeschooling mother, about a South African homeschooling family, this story is an adventure into South Africa’s apartheid history. Set in Cape Town, the story commences when 12-year-old Simon finds a bottle washed up Muizenberg beach. When the bottle shatters revealing a message written 30 years prior by another 12-year-old school boy from the poverty-stricken Cape Flats, the intrigue begins. The letter is brief and contains one question: Who is God and does he care about me?
The Mystery of the SS Waratah and the Avocado Tree, by Marilyn Honikman
Set in 2009 and based on a true story about a ship and an avocado tree in Durban. Four children research the unsolved mystery of the ship that disappeared off the east coast of South Africa in 1909, on route from Durban to Cape Town. A fascinating account – lovely history woven into a fictional story.
Umlilo’s Treasure, by Catherine Maunder
The story of Umlilo’s Treasure is based in Pilgrim’s Rest and is a compelling adventure story of three children who are on a camping trip to this town. They begin a treasure hunt for the legendary treasure of Umlilo…but they are not the only ones after the goods! A gripping story for a read aloud with children 8 and up or a read alone for children 12+. There is one rather scary incident involving a blood soaked rag, but presented in context, the book is delightful reading for all with many historically accurate details.
The Adventures of Peter the Penguin, by Phil Whittington
The book is about a penguin from Robben Island and his travels to Dassen Island and other ‘penguin places’ around the Western Cape coast, as well as his experiences in the hands of biologists, at SANCCOB and a trip to PE amongst others. Peter was one of three penguins who had a satellite transmitter strapped to his back on his swim home from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. At the back of the book there are about 12 pages with colour photos and some fascinating penguin facts.
The Golden Emperor, by Rex Galbraith
Two children on holiday in the Drakensberg have an adventure involving a Lammergeier that talks. They learn all about this rare bird who gives them a message from the Great Creator about nature conservation. There is a section with factual information and a map to enhance the educational aspect of the book.
Top of South African Child Literature
The Policeman’s Button, by Jenny Seed
This easy reader is set in Natal in 1890 when local tribes were warring amongst themselves. The hero, Richard and his family live on a farm on the Natal border and host the Natal Mounted Police for a night, during which Richard has a little adventure and learns the importance of obedience.
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Love, David, by Dianne Case
This award-winning book describes the life of a family on the Cape Flats. Anna, the story-teller is the younger step-sister of David who is fourteen, rebellious and involved with bad company at times. It is primarily a story about human relationships but reflects social situations in South Africa too. Since the father, who drinks, is physically harsh at times, this story is not suitable for young children.
The Cave, by Peter Slingsby
This exciting, award-winning story, set in the 18th century is based on actual events. Two Dutch children are abducted by a band of drosters who live in a cave, near what is Rooi Els today. Klaas, the leader is the chief of the almost extinct Khoi clan, called Chainouqua. Simon and Anna begin to unravel the mystery of why Klaas has spared their lives. This is a gripping story, but does have some battle violence so discretion is advised for younger children.
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Mystery at Cove Rock, by Beryl Bowie
This story of adventure and friendship is woven around the legend of Cove Rock on the coast near East London. A British boy and a young Xhosa boy find themselves in a difficult situation which forces them to trust each other. Siphiwo tells Rob about ‘the People’ and the ancestors, giving the reader some insight into Xhosa beliefs, in a non-threatening way.
The Message, by John Coetzee
A San girl is despatched by a Trekker woman at Pretorius’s camp to get a message to Louis Trichardt, who is still camped back at the Soutpansberg. She is torn between her loyalty to her mistress and Mazaru, her sweetheart. She makes a decision but is taken captive by a lone black tribesman along the way, who wants her to steal lead and powder from the Trekkers for him. Young readers will enjoy the tension of this quick read.
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African Literature
The following two books are wonderful as read alouds to children from 7 years or older children can read them alone. They are based in Kenya amongst the Masaai people.
Boy of Two Worlds, Lorna Eglin
A young boy in a Masaai village is struck by polio and looses the use of one of his legs. This story is about his journey to health and healing as well as finding the Good Shepherd, Jesus.
Girl of Two Worlds, Lorna Eglin
Set in southern Kenya, Nosim is the first member of her tribe to go to school. As she is exposed to western culture she is torn between the old tribal structure and the desire to become an educated young woman. She is also challenged to believe in Jesus Christ and leave the old spiritual beliefs of her tribe behind.
Non Fiction
A Desert Safari, by Nadine Clarke
This colourfully illustrated reference book, the third in the Get Bushwise series for young explorers, takes readers on a journey through the deserts of Southern Africa where you will discover and marvel at the amazing plant and animal life that survives the harsh conditions. This time, Xau, a young San, is your tour guide. If you loved A Bushveld Safari and A River Safari then you won’t want to miss A Desert Safari
The Huguenot Story, by Juliet Marais Louw
A simply written account of the Huguenots with sweet illustrations.
Young Africa Booklist, by Jay Heale
Written for parents, teachers and librarians. An extensive list of children’s literature with a brief review of each book.
Top of South African Child Literature
Yesterday’s Dress, by AA Telford
“This book is presented as a pageant of South African dress from the time of the early Portuguese up to the end of the 19th century.” Beautiful sketches of period clothing for the family who wants to see more of the clothing styles. We refer periodically to dress styles and this book will add to your lessons. Some pictures are not politically correct.
Living with the 1820 Settlers, by Marian Robertson
A beautifully illustrated book, with age-appropriate text, describing why the settlers emigrated, the voyage and the conditions and hardships they experienced on their arrival until the Sixth Frontier War (1835), which scattered many settlers to other parts of the country. Highly recommended.
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Looking at the Xhosa by Pat and Roger de la Harpe
A beautifully photographed book with easy to read text explaining various aspects of Xhosa cultural life in rural South Africa.
Looking at the Zulu, by Pat and Roger de la Harpe
This is a simply written story used to inform the reader about the Zulu people’s heritage and customs that live on today. Colour photos throughout.
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Explore the Seashore of South Africa by Margo Branch
This beautifully illustrated nature guide is designed for children aged 6-12 as a tool for discovering the marine life on South African shores. It is brimming with facts and project ideas. Excerpts of this book were used in AASA. The author is senior education consultant at the Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town.
Of Bullets and Boys by Jay Heale, South African Scout Association, 1999
This 20-page booklet, including a sketch map of Mafikeng in 1899, gives an outline of the story of the beginning of the town of Mafikeng, its place in local African history, its siege during the Anglo-Boer War, about Sol T Plaatjies and the origin of the Boy Scout Movement. A useful resource for extra background information which may still be available from the publishers.
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