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)
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)
The White Giraffe  •  Lauren St. John LITERATURE •  2007 •  PAPER  • 192 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) After a family tragedy, Martine has to go live with her grandmother in South Africa on a wildlife game preserve. Everyone denies the rumors of a white giraffe, but soon myth and magic begin mixing with reality, and Martine must use all her courage and intelligence to save her new home. (SAF182, $6.99)
Wild Safari Scratch and Sketch  •  Heather Zschock  •  Kerren Barbas NATURAL HISTORY •  2005 •  HARD COVER  • 64 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Reveal the wildlife of Africa as you copy simple sketches of 20 amazing animals in this fun activity book. The bright colors and fascinating facts are enough to entice any youngster. (EAF155, $12.99)
The Year the Gypsies Came  •  Linzi Glass LITERATURE •  2006 •  HARD COVER  • 260 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Set in 1960s Johannesburg, this young adult novel tells the story of a white girl whose priveleged life is shaken by the arrival of a wandering family into her home and the arrest of a good friend at the hands of the apartheid regime. (SAF172, $16.95)