5 remarkable children books of 2015

Ignite Africa, a non-governmental organization passionate about reviving the reading culture in Africa has released its top 5 favourite children books of 2015.

These books were read during the year and were voted to be the best by Ignite Africa reading partners. The criteria for selection were; the reviews of the students, the moral lessons and how impactful the stories are.

Here are some of the best children books of 2015:

1. A Cowrie of Hope by Binwell Sinyangwe

A Cowrie of Hope is a 149 page novel on African culture written by Binwell Sinyangwe, a Zambian novelist. The book captures the rhythms of a people whose poverty could not diminished their dignity, where hope could only be accompanied by small acts of courage, and where friendship never lost its value. Its moral lesson is overwhelming.

2. Kabo and the Rain God by Anthony Umelo

This is a book which speaks directly to stubborn children who are identified as trouble makers in schools and homes. The story depicts how a person makes himself liable to unfounded accusations based on past ill-behaviour. Hence it encourages good behaviour. The students reflected on the story and outlined similarities between the character Kabo and themselves and other students they know. This book was read and reviewed by the junior secondary students. The moral lessons in the book created a remorseful air where every student vowed they would become more responsible and studious.

3. Twelfth Night by Williams Shakespeare

The book is a Shakespeare's classic comedy retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. The pupils had a great time reading this book. Every Reading Partner who shared this book with their students recounted the interesting moments when students excitedly shared the story and happily chose different characters they adored.

4. Trapped in oblivion by Ifeoma Theordore Jnr

Last month, Ignite Africa hosted author Ifeoma Theodore E. for an author visitation to Surulere Girls Senior Secondary school, Mushin, Lagos. It’s really exciting to meet the author of a book you find very interesting. The readers had the opportunity to see through the eyes of the author, tap from her wealth of knowledge and understand her inspiration for writing such a book.

Trapped in Oblivion is a story set in Africa with moving messages to teenagers and parents. This enthralling masterpiece doesn't shrink from the highly personal, neither does it honey-coat the pressures and ills of family life when ignorance is allowed to reign supreme. The book raises questions that every adolescent, young adult, and adult want an answer to. It is one book teens and parents (and everyone else) should read.

5. Out of my mind by Sharon M. Drapper

Just one word to describe this book, Masterpiece. The book club members; just want to read it again and again. ‘Out of my mind’ is an intriguing story about a young disabled child, Melody, who cannot walk or talk but has got a complete world of her own in her mind. Despite her inhibiting features, Melody refused to be defined by her condition. Eventually, everyone was amazed as Melody revealed herself, the brilliant and the talented Melody, with the help of an electronic machine. Melody turned out to be the smartest kid in the class though her condition gave a totally different perception. Everyone needs to read this book; it’s a realization that no child is to be written off.

These are our best books in 2015. Did you read any great books in 2015?  Or are there any great books you'd love Ignite Africa to share with bookclubs? Why not tell us about them in a comment? We'd love to hear from you.

For book recommendations, Visit Ignite Africa's eclectic online library at www.igniteafricalibrary.org

SEE ALSO: 10 outstanding Nigerian books for this year

RELATED: 10 Books Nigerians born in the 90s would always remember