A Teacher's Guide to African Narratives reviews six texts by African authors that are written or translated into English, accessible in the United States, and appropriate for use in a variety of units at the high school level. The guide provides English and Social Studies teachers with a foundation for teaching African literature by offering critical commentary on the texts themselves.

O'Brien also presents a synthesis of anthropological and historical material that will help both teachers and students to better understand and analyze the complex issues raised in selected texts. Further, the guide provides author biographies and annotated bibliographies for teachers and students who wish to further explore the general aesthetic, political, and cultural concerns that have motivated these African authors.