There is so much to learn as you travel with Ayo on his whirlwind adventure across the globe discovering more about how African peoples and culture are spread across the world. Be sure to read Ain’s piece about the challenges she faced writing balanced ABC book about the African Story.

“When Ayo struggles to fall asleep, he tumbles into an extraordinary journey across the African diaspora, where he experiences creative and resilient cultures that share his heritage. From hip-hop to kente cloth, from Mansa Musa to revolution, the African diaspora has inspired the world! Endmatter further explores connections between the nations, cultures, and traditions represented on both sides of the Atlantic, for a deeper understanding of the African diaspora.”

The Challenges (and Joys!) of Writing an ABC Book About the African Diaspora

Taking on the task of writing a children’s book about the African diaspora could be intimidating. It is wider and deeper than what could be captured in the 32 pages of a picture book and would require a series of books before you’ve even scratched the surface — with any diaspora for that matter. However, while writing Ayo’s Adventure, I was determined to provide as much information about the African diaspora as possible and touch as many corners of the world as I could.

Once I got to work, my imagination was flooded with possibilities and curiosities. Should I focus on cultures? Should I include world leaders and revolutionaries? And if so, how would I choose among the thousands of African descendants who’ve left their indelible marks on the world? How would I showcase the beauty of Black experiences globally while being honest about some of the ugliest pieces of our history?

The work would be difficult, and I realized that “difficult” would be an understatement. 

Creating a balance between the boundless joy of the Black experience while not ignoring the stains on Black history left by slavery, Jim Crow, and other forms of oppression, was the most challenging part of writing Ayo’s Adventure. It was so important for me to include celebratory moments and the traditions that tie communities together. However, it was also important for me to ensure that I didn’t erase how the majority of us were separated from Africa in the first place.

In the main text, I highlight freedom fighters, communities founded by escaped enslaved Africans, and the Haitian revolution. At the end of the book, we include a section titled, “What is the African Diaspora?” which gives young readers a transparent explanation of how and why so many descendants of Africa were forcefully displaced around the world. In ways that children can understand, I write about these challenging topics while also inserting dance, the playfulness and laughter of children, poetry, and joy.

Ayo’s Adventure was indeed a heavy task, but writing for children requires that you center joy. So I found joy in showing some of the diversity of the African diaspora, creating magical transitions that made Ayo’s journey around the world possible, and taking children on an adventure that would teach, excite, and spark their curiosity.

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Thank you, Ain for this insightful piece. I would agree that she has managed to capture the joy of African culture whilst also tackling the role of slavery in this displacement in an age appropriate way. This book is a wonderful, enlightening journey with vibrant, dynamic illustrations to match.

Jo.

*Many thanks to Barefoot Books for sending me this title to review*