Henry Appiah was born in Ghana, West Africa. His passion for writing started at a younger age when he will write poems and articles in tabloid newspapers. His maternal grandfather became a great mentor to him and served as his editor anytime Henry Appiah contributed articles and short stories to morning radio talk shows and local newspapers. Henry Appiah also participated in some BBC short story competitions.
Having grown up in Africa, folk story was a constant experience. It was one way of passing on virtues and much-cherished moral values. Children will gather around the fire at night after dinner and hear the elders tell folktale stories. Those moments were impactful and became resounding throughout Henry’s life. On days that the elders were not around, Henry and his friends will gather around, and each person will tell a story to the group in rotation. Those younger years bestowed in him considerable experience in tradition and culture.
His growth both in the city and rural Africa sparked a lot of light in him as far as traditional folklore and stories were concerned. His undying love for culture and tradition further deepened, and he has carried it on till this day.
Henry Appiah continues to share delightful tales with the younger generation as a way of giving back and empowering them through literary work.
Adjoa Ohenewaa Appiah is a seven-year-old second-grader whose tenacity for the literary world brings a lot to be desired. Adjoa’s writings reflect the diverse aspects of Africa and its traditional folklore. Adjoa’s parents had been reading her stories from different parts of the world since she was younger. Whenever she borrowed books from the library, they would be folk stories and especially those from Africa. It is no surprise, that apart from reading and listening to these stories, Adjoa has also developed an interest in reimagining and writing stories, especially African fictional folktales. Additionally, she loves music, dancing, reciting, writing poetry, and playing soccer and chess. Adjoa has won spelling bee contests in her first and second-grade classes and has been chosen for magnet programs. “My favorite subjects are all areas of learning! I’m not sure what the future holds for me but if it includes reading and writing it will be all brighter!”
