Africans Thought of It

Gr 3—6—The African continent as a whole reveals a rich smorgasbord of cultural and societal contributions from its people. A few pages focus on elements that shaped their early way of life, including hunting, medicine, communication, and music. Vivid photographs feature authentic objects used (such as the vuvuzela instrument or the bao game), while people engaged in activities capture an enthusiastic look at the reliance on community. Colored backgrounds and borders present a busy, though uncluttered, dynamic portrayal of nuanced cultures. Three cartoon panels show how furnaces were made, with four naked boys sitting around one; this inclusion seems to be a random addition within the rest of the uniform presentation. Scientific and creative achievements focus on the innovative use of natural resources to depict Africa as a major contributor to the world landscape. Overall, succinct definitions and compact descriptions provide a brief and interesting blend of the contemporary with the traditional. The informative and age-appropriate introduction highlights the authors' personal and professional experiences; the succinct time line and recommended resources offer advanced (and slightly dated) options for further exploration. The mention of historical and contemporary issues (Apartheid, HIV/AIDS) may gloss over the severity of the obstacles at hand through the slightly glib conclusion ("This history, along with the courage and determination displayed by people all over Africa, suggest that there is every reason to be optimistic about the future of this great continent"), but it's the plethora of rich examples that most successfully support this statement.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC