| The genre of Children's/Young Adult Africana Literature, while relatively young, is at the forefront of scholarly efforts that seek to contribute to the decolonization of the young African's mind. This genre has been scarcely examined in connection with survival of enslavement, colonialism and/or resistance to Western influence. As a body of work, Children's/Young Adult Africana Literature is significantly relevant to the nature of survival and resistance in Africa today, and begs for critical analysis.;This project focuses upon the genre of Children's/Young Adult Africana Literature as a whole, and specifically explores contemporary writings by authors from West Africa. The work examines eight selections from seven countries in West Africa, selections that are considered appropriate for children and young adults between the ages of five and twenty.;In addition, this project briefly explores the history of Children's Literature in the West (Europe and the United States), the history and advance of characterizations of Africa and Africans in said literature, the attitudes that such characterizations have fostered in readers of all ages, as well as the evolution of the genre of Children's/Young Adult Africana Literature. Further examining the works mentioned above in an effort to add to current scholarship and determine relevancy and appropriateness to education, art and social consciousness in Africa and its Diasporas, this paper hopes to inspire efforts in direct relation to the recovery of African agency, the dignity and integrity of the African personality, and 100% literacy among African youth. |
