Africa, Cultural Atlas for Young People  •  Jocelyn Murray CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 96 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A fully illustrated overview of African culture and history by anthropologist Jocelyn Murray (who also wrote the adult version of this book). It covers broad historical and cultural themes and includes a two-page spread on each region throughout the continent. With lots of maps and color photos. Highly recommended as an introduction to all Africa. (AFR58, $35.00)
Ashanti to Zulu, African Traditions  •  Leo Dillon  •  Diane Dillon  •  Margaret Musgrove CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1980 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A full-color introduction to 26 different African cultures, arranged from A to Z. Intended for kids ages 9-12, this classic won the Dillons their second Caldecott Medal for best illustration in a children's book. (AFR73, $6.99)
Elephant (Eyewitness Books)  •  Ian Redmond  •  Dave King NATURAL HISTORY •  2000 •  HARD COVER  • 63 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A vivid introduction to the elephant, in the colorful Eyewitness visual style. With plenty of background on the natural history of the elephant, including description of its behavior and social habits. Geared for children ages 9-12. (BST44, $15.99)
Eyewitness Africa  •  Yvonne Ayo CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1995 •  HARD COVER • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A thoroughly illustrated overview of traditional ways of life throughout Africa in the highly visual Eyewitness series. Each two-page spread is devoted to a specific aspect of African life, such as home-building, medicine and religion. Geared for children ages 9-12. (AFR59, $15.99)
Face to Face With Cheetahs  •  Chris Johns NATURAL HISTORY •  2008 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Chris Johns, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic magazine, brings you face to face with a family of cheetahs. The story begins in Okavango Delta in Botswana -- as the cheetah mother hunts her prey and the photographer tracks the elusive cat. After watching the family for four months, he is rewarded when a cheetah cub comes up and actually licks his hand -- one of the most profound moments of his life. But the encounter brings a responsibility: to help save these endangered creatures and protect their habitat from one of their biggest threats, man. As Africa's most endangered cat, the cheetah is in a race for survival. But the book gives us hope, too, detailing practical ways we can all help to protect them and ensure they have a future in the wild. Stunning photographs, action-packed stories, and thorough research complete the picture of these cagey cats. (AFR222, $16.95)
Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales  •  Nelson Mandela LITERATURE •  2007 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES • FAMILY A wide-ranging collection of tales from all over the continent, the majority traditional folktales from Southern Africa. With handsome full-color illustrations throughout, a map, and notes on contributors. A team of expert folklorists, poets and authors transcribe the tales, each selected by Mandela. (AFR135, $16.95)
Out of Bounds: Seven Stories of Conflict and Hope  •  Beverley Naidoo LITERATURE •  2001 •  HARD COVER  • 160 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A collection of stories about children growing up in apartheid South Africa, all set during the last 50 years. Naidoo has written a series of books for young adults, all taking place in South Africa. (SAF173, $16.99)
Somehow Tenderness Survives: Stories of Southern Africa  •  Hazel Rochman ANTHOLOGY •  1990 •  PAPER  • 208 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A collection of ten short stories about growing up under apartheid from a diverse group of writers including Nadine Gordimer, Mark Mathaban, Doris Lessing, as well as lesser known South African writers. A good choice for high-schoolers. (SAF174, $6.99)