A Guest of Honor (1990) by Nadine Gordimer. An idealistic colonel uncovers corruption among the leaders of a newly independent African nation, leading to his assassination.

"Children of the Sea" (1993) by Edwidge Danticat. A young couple is separated by a dictatorial regime in Haiti, compelling the young man to undertake a perilous boat journey to the United States.

"Vengeful Creditor" (1971) by Chinua Achebe. This story follows a wealthy Nigerian woman who faces challenges finding suitable servants for her children due to the introduction of free public education.

"Blues Ain't No Mocking Bird" (1972) by Toni Cade Bambara. A poor African-American family is approached by filmmakers who want to capture footage of their modest home for a project on the government food stamp program.

"Everyday Use" (1973) by Alice Walker. An African-American family's successful, college-educated daughter desires the family’s crazy quilt to display it as an example of American folk art over her sofa.

Fools and Other Stories (1983) by Njabulo Ndebele, a former leader of the Congress of South African Writers. This collection of stories delves into the experiences of South African children growing up in the 1960s.

Cry, the Beloved Country (1948) by South African writer Alan Paton, is a classic novel that follows Reverend Steven Kamalo as he navigates the black ghettos of Johannesburg in search of his lost son.

Biko by Donald Woods chronicles the impactful life of Stephen Biko, leader of the South African Black Consciousness Movement, who was tragically beaten to death during police interrogation in 1977.