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East Bay Author takes Young Readers to Kenya | May 13, 2025
Many of us grew up not seeing people who look like us in books at school, in libraries. Lack of diversity has been an issue in literature for a long time. And for today’s kids, with book bans and attacks on diverse literature happening nationwide, the need for books and stories that tell all our stories is crucial.
> East Bay author takes young readers to Kenya | By Hana Baba
CSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book Winner & Junior Library Guild
Wanjiku, Child of Mine by Ciiku Ndung’u-Case, illustrated by Karen Vermeulen, is a beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the dual identity of a young Gikũyũ girl growing up in Kenya. In the countryside, she is Wanjikũ, helping her grandmother with daily tasks; in Nairobi, she is Catherine, attending school.
This poignant narrative celebrates cultural heritage and the journey of self-discovery.
The book has received notable accolades, including being named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and a CBC 2025 3rd-5th Grade Librarian Favorites. It was also recognized in the Librarian Favorites: Third to Fifth Grade category, highlighting its appeal to young readers and educators alike.
>Junior Library Guild Badge | CBC 2025 3RD-5TH Grade Librarian Favorites.
Diablo Magazine | January/February Issue 2025 | Volume 46
Pleasanton’s Ciikũ Ndũng’ũ-Case honors her African heritage in a new children’s book.
As a young child in rural Kenya, Ciikũ Ndũng’ũ-Case would spend her days helping her cousins bring livestock out to pasture and doing other chores. She was raised by her grandmother, with members of their village sharing food and supporting her well being.
> Speak of the Devil ‘Joyful Common Ground’ by Rachel Orvino
Here & Now | October 28, 2024
Ciiku Ndung’u Case, founder of the organization Cheza Nami, is out with a children’s book “Wanjiku, Child of Mine,” which paints a vibrant picture of Kenya’s verdant countryside and bustling cities. It’s based on her own childhood growing up in the country.
Sankofa Pan African Series | May 4, 2024
Wanjiku Child of Mine how do you hope it would impact the children who read it? I hope that they can embrace the idea that your own individual story is unique, is beautiful, and is worth telling. Everybody has a voice that is needed in our world.
