Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe was born on November 16, 1930, into a culture that was at its crossroads. His parents and older sister, Zinobia, taught him about his culture through many stories. This early storytelling was the foundation of Chinua’s later career as the author of children’s books. Chinua and his five siblings learned to love education and the pursuit of knowledge from their parents.

Chinua began his education in 1936 at St. Philip’s Central School. He enjoyed school and worked hard.

Chinua lived with his older brother, John, who worked at Central School in Nekede. It was thought that the academic environment would be a positive one for Chinua. He prepared for his entrance exam into Government College. Chinua was one of only six boys who were advanced to a second year at the elite school. He went on to attend University College in West Africa where...