Families of Kenya

Gr 2—6—This live-action production shows life in Kenya through the points of view of two 11-year-old boys. Prince lives in an apartment in Nairobi with his parents and two older siblings, while John lives on a farm near Kangundo Town with his parents and brother. Both boys help with household chores before beginning their school day. Prince catches the bus to a private school, his tuition is paid by his parents, and he rides his bike before the evening meal. Before bed, he does homework and plays video games. Six days a week, John leaves home in the dark, walking an hour to get to his village school, and comes home late. He feeds and waters the cow, eats supper by kerosene light, and does homework before bed. Whether attending a program of tribal music and dance with Prince and his family or seeing the lions, elephants, and zebras with John's cousin at the Masai Mara National Game Reserve, viewers experience a slice of life in modern Kenya. Equal segments respectfully show the everyday details of the boys' lives and the people who are important to them. The simplicity of the presentation is its great strength—no music or graphics are needed. This glimpse into another culture through the eyes of its children is a solid choice for elementary collections.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN