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)
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)
The Eye, the Ear and the Arm  •  Nancy Farmer LITERATURE •  1995 •  PAPER  • 311 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A Newbery Honor award winning book set in Harare in the year 2194. Nancy Farmer employs elements of Shona mythology in this futuristic tale about three children who chafe under military rule. (ZIM10, $6.99)
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)
A Girl Named Disaster  •  Nancy Farmer LITERATURE •  1998 •  PAPER  • 309 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A gripping introduction to Zimbabwe, the Shona people and their ideas about the spirit world. To save her village from a cholera epidemic, 11-year-old Nhamo must consent to marry a stranger. With her wedding day approaching, Nhamo flees her native Mozambique and embarks on a year-long odyssey to Zimbabwe -- a journey fraught with danger from wild animals and malevolent spirits. This rich, rewarding young-adult novel was a Newbery Honor book. (ZIM09, $7.99)
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, An African Tale  •  John Steptoe CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1987 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A traditional Shona folktale from Zimbabwe as adapted and illustrated for younger readers, ages 4-8. Akin to Cinderella, it's the story of two daughters, one selfish and cruel, the other thoughtful, and their fate. The handsome illustrations by the Brooklyn-born author were inspired by the stone palaces, towers and buildings of Great Zimbabwe, the ancient Shona city. A Caldecott Award-winner. (SAF114, $16.99)