Author: Gail Haley Illustrator: Gail Haley Title: A Story A Story ISBN: 978-0689712012 Place of Publication: New York: NY Publisher: Aladdin Date of Publication: 1988 Number of Pages: 36 Recommended/Listed Price: $7.99 (Amazon) Review: This book tells the story of how we got all the stories of the world. A long time ago all the stories belonged to the Sky God, Nyame. Nyame kept all the stories in a golden box beside his royal stool. One day, Ananse, the Spider man, decided he wanted to buy the stories, so he spun a ladder up to the sky and went to ask the Sky God for the stories. The Sky God laughed, and told Ananse that he needed to bring him three things, the leopard of the terrible teeth, the hornet that stings like fire, and the fairy that men never see. The Sky God did not think Ananse, an old man, would be able to get the three creatures, but he did. At the end of the story the stories were given to Ananse and were called spider stories.
Author: Baba Wague Diakite Illustrator: Baba Wague Diakite Title: The Hunterman and the Crocodile A West African Folktale ISBN: 0-590-89828-0 Place of Publication: United States Publisher: Scholastic Press Date of Publication: 1997 Number of Pages: 32 Recommended/Listed Price: $21.77 Review: This West African Folk Tale tells the story of Bamba the crocodile, three members of his crocodile family, and Donso the Hunterman. Bamba and his family set out to Mecca but grow tired and hungry. Unable to finish their journey, they run into Donso the Hunterman. The crocodile family asks Donso to return them to the river. Although Donso is initially weary, he returns them to their home. When he brings them to the water, they betray him, questioning what they owe to man. Several animals encounter Donso near death, and simply turn away stating that man always takes advantage of the animals and never provides anything in return. This folk tale provides a moving message of the balance of nature and the importance of maintaining harmony. The author’s final message clearly states an overall importance of “placing man among-not above-all living things”
Author: Jean-Jacques Vayssières Illustrator: Jean-Jacques Vayssières Title The Amazing Adventures of Equiano ISBN: 976-637-029 Place of Publication: Jamaica Publisher: Ian Randle Publishers Date of Publication: 2001 Number of Pages: 61 Recommended/Listed Price: $8.95 (Amazon.com) and also available for free on www.childrenslibrary.org Review: Originally written in French, the Amazing adventures of Equiano tells the narrative story of historical figure Olaudah Equiano, a freed slave that spent his life in bondage for several different masters. As a boy in the Ibo tribe in Africa, Equiano was captured very young and spent his childhood traversing various countries and working on a plantation in the States. Though his fellow friends attempted escape, Equiano was honest and hardworking, making friends with many of his white masters when he easily could have made enemies. These friendships gave Equiano the opportunity to work in a variety of places, and he spent many years working on trading ships, giving him access to cultures all over the world. In his later years, Equiano earned his freedom and he became a political voice for the freedom of Africans all over the globe. The story is a very simplified version of the actual memoirs, and at times felt abrupt in transitions throughout the plot. However, the legacy of such an iconic and heroic figure is made available in this children’s translation.
Author: Page McBrier Illustrator: Lori Lohstoeter Title: Beatrice’s Goat ISBN: 978-0-689-82460-9 Place of Publication: United States Publisher: Aladdin Date of Publication: 2004 Number of pages: 40 Recommended/Listed Price: $7.99 (Amazon.com) Review: Beatrice’s Goat is based on the true story of Beatrice Biira, a Ugandan girl who helped lift her family from poverty through the acquisition of a small goat. Beatrice’s only dream is to attend school, a costly endeavor that remains out of reach for her family’s economic position. With the arrival of her animal companion, Beatrice is able to use the milk to sell, and over time collects the money required to buy her way to education. This tale is beautifully woven, and helps children to note the resilience and determination required to make a dream a reality. Not only that, but Beatrice helps those in her community to realize their dreams and potential through her enduring resilience. I strongly recommend this picture book to young children and students in early elementary school, as it paints a lesson for all to learn.
Author: Karen Lynn Williams Illustrator: Catherine Stock Title: Galimoto ISBN: 0688109912 Place of Publication: United States Publisher: HarperCollins Date of Publication: 1991 Number of Pages: 32 Recommended/Listed Price: $15.99 Review: This book shares the story of Kondi, an African boy who aspires to create his very own galimoto or wire toy. Throughout the story, Kondi explores different ways to get the materials that he needs to create his galimoto. He has crafted a special knife made out of a can so that he can work to cut the material he needs. The only problem is that he cannot find enough wire to create his galimoto. Williams’ shares the story of a determined young boy who creatively pleads with townsmen to get the wire he needs. In the end, Kondi is able to find enough wire to create his very own galimoto!
Author: Nehprii Amenii Illustrator: Nephrii Amenii Title: Memories of the Little Elephant ISNB: 978-0-9797010-0-9 Place of Publication: United States Publisher: Khunum Productions Date of Publication: 2008 Number of Pages: 62 Recommended/Listed Price: $24.95 Review:In the beginning of the book, it seems like it is the creation story and/or perhaps the creation of the continents. However, quickly the plot changes, and one realizes that this story is not about the coming of earth or its geographic features. Rather the story is about the coming of slavery, slave traders to Africa, the shackling of slaves, and the voyage and stay of slaves in America not as people, but as property. The illustrations are primitive and the arrangement of the text does not have a clear rhythm. The narrators voice that insisted itself throughout the reading was that of someone with limited English proficiency. The story required a lot of higher level thinking skills: deductive reasoning and interpretation to understand the meaning of the text. The bottom line, the story was about the life Africans had before white slave traders came and ripped them from their homes, families, and traditions. This would not be a good book to introduce the topic of slavery to learners, but rather show how the initiation of slavery may have manifested itself in the minds of these African tribes who were stripped of their humanity and land. Visit the website, http://www.nehpriiamenii.com/index.html to learn more about the author, the premise for the book, and how you can donate books to a country in Africa of your choice.
Chapter Books
Author: Ezekiel Alembi Illustrator: Dorothy Migadde Title: Elijah Masinde, Rebel with a Cause ISBN:9966-951-00-8 Place of Publication: Kenya Publisher:Sasa Sema Publications Ltd Date of Publication: 2000 Number of Pages: 70 Recommended/Listed Price: Out of print – available for free at www.childrenslibrary.org Review: This chapter book is about life and times of Elijah Masinde, a religious and political figure in Kenya. Told through the eyes of a Kenyan grandmother to her grandchildren, the story begins as a way of demonstrating to the children the need for oral tradition and storytelling about the history of their country (and that the parents are neglecting this responsibility). Throughout the chapters, the grandmother finds moments between dinner and chores to continue the story of Masinde, who rebelled against the British colonialists in Kenya. Imprisoned many times, Masinde also fought for the return of the traditional Kenyan religion, much to the dismay of the colonial government. The book touches on many sensitive issues, such as women’s rights, religious intolerance, and political rebellion – often times without delving into any specific issue, but rather drawing awareness to them generally. It was an interesting narrative structure, and could be included in many text sets related to peaceful (and violent) resistance to authority.
Author: David Njeng’ere Illustrate by: George Obonyo Title: Dedan Kimiathi Leader of the Mau Mau ISBN: 9966-951-18-0 Place of Publication: Kenya Publisher: Sasa Sema Publications Date of Publication: 2003 Publication Languages: English Number of pages: 83 Recommended/Listed Price: $12.00 Review: This is the biography of Dedan Kimiathi, “the man many of our people regarded as a symbol of freedom.” This is a popular historical text. Depending on how familiar one is with the history of imperial power in Africa, this book would be of interest to someone seeking more information and/or interested in this particular event. No doubt, Dedan Kimiathi is not a historically popular “leader of men,” such as Harriet Tubman or Martin Luther King; however, Kimiathi’s story offers a new perspective on the ongoing struggle African Americans have endured in recent history. The book portrays African’s trying to assert their freedom from imperialism from foreign countries, protecting their culture and their freedom. Kimiathi’s biography shows us that African Americans have endured the persistent stigma that they are subservient to the human race. Kimiathi’s story shows the self imposed “caste system” that exists amongst the human race and the lengths people will go to prevent movement within the caste, oppressing and even killing. Set in recent day, it is hard to imagine that social injustices, such as this one, existed or still exist today. However, they do, and books like this one show us how we as members of the human race can and should be part of the change to end this kind of oppression.
Author: Catherine House Illustrator: Tuf Mulokwa Title: Nelson Mandela: Fighter for Humanity ISBN: 9966-951-08-3 Place of Publication: Kenya Publisher: Sasa Sema Publications Date of Publication: 2002 Number of Pages: 122 Recommended/Listed Price: Available free at www.childrenslibrary.org Review: Catherine House writes this story after she researched and travelled around South Africa. House was amazed at the feeling she got from being around the people of South Africa and the love they showed for their first black president, Nelson Mandela. This book is the story of Nelson Mandela’s life, the life of an ordinary person, whose passion in life was freedom for his nation. The story starts with when Mandela was a boy and follows his life, his career as a lawyer, his fight against Apartheid, and his presidency of South Africa. This is a ruthless story; it involves a lot of pain and suffering. It is also a story of hope, that one-day people of different races, backgrounds, religions, or cultures can live together in one nation.
Author: David G Maillu Illustrator: David G Maillu Title: The Survivors ISBN: 9966-951-09-1 Place of Publication: Kenya Publisher: Sasa Sema Publications Date of Publication: 2002 Number of Pages: 72 Recommended/Listed Price: price not available Review: Set in Kenya, this folktale shares the story of Safariant and Termite who are brothers. One day, an argument breaks out amongst them as to who is the greater brother. After much argument, fighting, and uproar it is decided that all Safariants be banished from the community. Unhappy with their banishment, the Safariants trick the Termites by promising forgiveness to their king and queen for their behavior. What results is the Safariants killing their parents as revenge and then fleeing from their home to create a new life. Generations pass, the Safariant becomes stronger and builds a larger army, but their strength is no match for humans who set to destroy their sacred land and battleground.
Picture Books
Author: Gail Haley
Illustrator: Gail Haley
Title: A Story A Story
ISBN: 978-0689712012
Place of Publication: New York: NY
Publisher: Aladdin
Date of Publication: 1988
Number of Pages: 36
Recommended/Listed Price: $7.99 (Amazon)
Review: This book tells the story of how we got all the stories of the world. A long time ago all the stories belonged to the Sky God, Nyame. Nyame kept all the stories in a golden box beside his royal stool. One day, Ananse, the Spider man, decided he wanted to buy the stories, so he spun a ladder up to the sky and went to ask the Sky God for the stories. The Sky God laughed, and told Ananse that he needed to bring him three things, the leopard of the terrible teeth, the hornet that stings like fire, and the fairy that men never see. The Sky God did not think Ananse, an old man, would be able to get the three creatures, but he did. At the end of the story the stories were given to Ananse and were called spider stories.
Author: Baba Wague Diakite
Illustrator: Baba Wague Diakite
Title: The Hunterman and the Crocodile A West African Folktale
ISBN: 0-590-89828-0
Place of Publication: United States
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date of Publication: 1997
Number of Pages: 32
Recommended/Listed Price: $21.77
Review: This West African Folk Tale tells the story of Bamba the crocodile, three members of his crocodile family, and Donso the Hunterman. Bamba and his family set out to Mecca but grow tired and hungry. Unable to finish their journey, they run into Donso the Hunterman. The crocodile family asks Donso to return them to the river. Although Donso is initially weary, he returns them to their home. When he brings them to the water, they betray him, questioning what they owe to man. Several animals encounter Donso near death, and simply turn away stating that man always takes advantage of the animals and never provides anything in return. This folk tale provides a moving message of the balance of nature and the importance of maintaining harmony. The author’s final message clearly states an overall importance of “placing man among-not above-all living things”
Author: Jean-Jacques Vayssières
Illustrator: Jean-Jacques Vayssières
Title The Amazing Adventures of Equiano
ISBN: 976-637-029
Place of Publication: Jamaica
Publisher: Ian Randle Publishers
Date of Publication: 2001
Number of Pages: 61
Recommended/Listed Price: $8.95 (Amazon.com) and also available for free on www.childrenslibrary.org
Review: Originally written in French, the Amazing adventures of Equiano tells the narrative story of historical figure Olaudah Equiano, a freed slave that spent his life in bondage for several different masters. As a boy in the Ibo tribe in Africa, Equiano was captured very young and spent his childhood traversing various countries and working on a plantation in the States. Though his fellow friends attempted escape, Equiano was honest and hardworking, making friends with many of his white masters when he easily could have made enemies. These friendships gave Equiano the opportunity to work in a variety of places, and he spent many years working on trading ships, giving him access to cultures all over the world. In his later years, Equiano earned his freedom and he became a political voice for the freedom of Africans all over the globe. The story is a very simplified version of the actual memoirs, and at times felt abrupt in transitions throughout the plot. However, the legacy of such an iconic and heroic figure is made available in this children’s translation.
Author: Page McBrier
Illustrator: Lori Lohstoeter
Title: Beatrice’s Goat
ISBN: 978-0-689-82460-9
Place of Publication: United States
Publisher: Aladdin
Date of Publication: 2004
Number of pages: 40
Recommended/Listed Price: $7.99 (Amazon.com)
Review: Beatrice’s Goat is based on the true story of Beatrice Biira, a Ugandan girl who helped lift her family from poverty through the acquisition of a small goat. Beatrice’s only dream is to attend school, a costly endeavor that remains out of reach for her family’s economic position. With the arrival of her animal companion, Beatrice is able to use the milk to sell, and over time collects the money required to buy her way to education. This tale is beautifully woven, and helps children to note the resilience and determination required to make a dream a reality. Not only that, but Beatrice helps those in her community to realize their dreams and potential through her enduring resilience.
I strongly recommend this picture book to young children and students in early elementary school, as it paints a lesson for all to learn.
Author: Karen Lynn Williams
Illustrator: Catherine Stock
Title: Galimoto
ISBN: 0688109912
Place of Publication: United States
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date of Publication: 1991
Number of Pages: 32
Recommended/Listed Price: $15.99
Review: This book shares the story of Kondi, an African boy who aspires to create his very own galimoto or wire toy. Throughout the story, Kondi explores different ways to get the materials that he needs to create his galimoto. He has crafted a special knife made out of a can so that he can work to cut the material he needs. The only problem is that he cannot find enough wire to create his galimoto. Williams’ shares the story of a determined young boy who creatively pleads with townsmen to get the wire he needs. In the end, Kondi is able to find enough wire to create his very own galimoto!
Author: Nehprii Amenii
Illustrator: Nephrii Amenii
Title: Memories of the Little Elephant
ISNB: 978-0-9797010-0-9
Place of Publication: United States
Publisher: Khunum Productions
Date of Publication: 2008
Number of Pages: 62
Recommended/Listed Price: $24.95
Review:In the beginning of the book, it seems like it is the creation story and/or perhaps the creation of the continents. However, quickly the plot changes, and one realizes that this story is not about the coming of earth or its geographic features. Rather the story is about the coming of slavery, slave traders to Africa, the shackling of slaves, and the voyage and stay of slaves in America not as people, but as property. The illustrations are primitive and the arrangement of the text does not have a clear rhythm. The narrators voice that insisted itself throughout the reading was that of someone with limited English proficiency. The story required a lot of higher level thinking skills: deductive reasoning and interpretation to understand the meaning of the text. The bottom line, the story was about the life Africans had before white slave traders came and ripped them from their homes, families, and traditions. This would not be a good book to introduce the topic of slavery to learners, but rather show how the initiation of slavery may have manifested itself in the minds of these African tribes who were stripped of their humanity and land. Visit the website, http://www.nehpriiamenii.com/index.html to learn more about the author, the premise for the book, and how you can donate books to a country in Africa of your choice.
Chapter Books
Author: Ezekiel Alembi
Illustrator: Dorothy Migadde
Title: Elijah Masinde, Rebel with a Cause
ISBN:9966-951-00-8
Place of Publication: Kenya
Publisher:Sasa Sema Publications Ltd
Date of Publication: 2000
Number of Pages: 70
Recommended/Listed Price: Out of print – available for free at www.childrenslibrary.org
Review: This chapter book is about life and times of Elijah Masinde, a religious and political figure in Kenya. Told through the eyes of a Kenyan grandmother to her grandchildren, the story begins as a way of demonstrating to the children the need for oral tradition and storytelling about the history of their country (and that the parents are neglecting this responsibility). Throughout the chapters, the grandmother finds moments between dinner and chores to continue the story of Masinde, who rebelled against the British colonialists in Kenya. Imprisoned many times, Masinde also fought for the return of the traditional Kenyan religion, much to the dismay of the colonial government. The book touches on many sensitive issues, such as women’s rights, religious intolerance, and political rebellion – often times without delving into any specific issue, but rather drawing awareness to them generally. It was an interesting narrative structure, and could be included in many text sets related to peaceful (and violent) resistance to authority.
Author: David Njeng’ere
Illustrate by: George Obonyo
Title: Dedan Kimiathi Leader of the Mau Mau
ISBN: 9966-951-18-0
Place of Publication: Kenya
Publisher: Sasa Sema Publications
Date of Publication: 2003
Publication Languages: English
Number of pages: 83
Recommended/Listed Price: $12.00
Review: This is the biography of Dedan Kimiathi, “the man many of our people regarded as a symbol of freedom.” This is a popular historical text. Depending on how familiar one is with the history of imperial power in Africa, this book would be of interest to someone seeking more information and/or interested in this particular event. No doubt, Dedan Kimiathi is not a historically popular “leader of men,” such as Harriet Tubman or Martin Luther King; however, Kimiathi’s story offers a new perspective on the ongoing struggle African Americans have endured in recent history. The book portrays African’s trying to assert their freedom from imperialism from foreign countries, protecting their culture and their freedom. Kimiathi’s biography shows us that African Americans have endured the persistent stigma that they are subservient to the human race. Kimiathi’s story shows the self imposed “caste system” that exists amongst the human race and the lengths people will go to prevent movement within the caste, oppressing and even killing. Set in recent day, it is hard to imagine that social injustices, such as this one, existed or still exist today. However, they do, and books like this one show us how we as members of the human race can and should be part of the change to end this kind of oppression.
Author: Catherine House
Illustrator: Tuf Mulokwa
Title: Nelson Mandela: Fighter for Humanity
ISBN: 9966-951-08-3
Place of Publication: Kenya
Publisher: Sasa Sema Publications
Date of Publication: 2002
Number of Pages: 122
Recommended/Listed Price: Available free at www.childrenslibrary.org
Review: Catherine House writes this story after she researched and travelled around South Africa. House was amazed at the feeling she got from being around the people of South Africa and the love they showed for their first black president, Nelson Mandela. This book is the story of Nelson Mandela’s life, the life of an ordinary person, whose passion in life was freedom for his nation. The story starts with when Mandela was a boy and follows his life, his career as a lawyer, his fight against Apartheid, and his presidency of South Africa. This is a ruthless story; it involves a lot of pain and suffering. It is also a story of hope, that one-day people of different races, backgrounds, religions, or cultures can live together in one nation.
Author: David G Maillu
Illustrator: David G Maillu
Title: The Survivors
ISBN: 9966-951-09-1
Place of Publication: Kenya
Publisher: Sasa Sema Publications
Date of Publication: 2002
Number of Pages: 72
Recommended/Listed Price: price not available
Review: Set in Kenya, this folktale shares the story of Safariant and Termite who are brothers. One day, an argument breaks out amongst them as to who is the greater brother. After much argument, fighting, and uproar it is decided that all Safariants be banished from the community. Unhappy with their banishment, the Safariants trick the Termites by promising forgiveness to their king and queen for their behavior. What results is the Safariants killing their parents as revenge and then fleeing from their home to create a new life. Generations pass, the Safariant becomes stronger and builds a larger army, but their strength is no match for humans who set to destroy their sacred land and battleground.