Read Africa: Books for Wisconsin Libraries

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Bureau of Libraries announced resource libraries throughout the state will soon have the opportunity to further enrich their collections thanks to the African Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The resource library in each of Wisconsin’s 15 library systems will be receiving two copies of ten books selected by the African Studies Program enabling all Wisconsin readers to deepen their understanding of Africa. Resource libraries will make the following titles available on their shelves and via interlibrary loan to ensure all Wisconsin residents have access. 

Novels & Short Stories: 

• Love Marry Kill by Zukiswa Warner (South Africa) 
• A Mouth Full of Salt by Reem Gaafar (Sudan) 
• The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus by Umar Abubakar Sidi (Nigeria) 
• How to Make a Space Masquerade by Mazi Nwonwu (Nigeria) 
• Bald Dandelions with Their Wishes Blown Clean Off  by various East African authors 

Picture books: 

• Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena Pliska and Halem Aly 
• The Taste of Home by Aminata Jalloh and Pervin Özcan 
• Sankofa: A Culinary Story by Eric Adjepong and Lala Watkins 
• Flipflopi by Linda Ravin Lodding, Dipesh Pabari, and Michael Machira Mwangi 
• The Big Eyes of the Tiny Girl by Ondjaki and Carla Dias (translated by Marissa Moorman) 

The African Studies Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education Title VI program in partnership with Brittle Paper, the Children’s Africana Book Award, and the DPI. Some of these titles include publications shipped directly from Africa-based publishers that may otherwise be unavailable for purchase in the United States. All titles will explore themes related to Africa and the African diaspora.  

Resource libraries receiving the books are expected to: 

• Provide a letter formally acknowledging receipt of the titles. 
• Announce and celebrate Africa Day (May 25) or Africa month (May) by highlighting these titles with library patrons through social media, press release, library displays, or other forms of promotion. 

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Beth Tomev, Director of Library Development at elizabeth.tomev@dpi.wi.gov.