S is for South Africa

Gr 1-3-Each photo journal begins with an author's note highlighting the topography and history of the country. Maps show its position on the African continent and the countries it borders. The layout of each title is visually appealing, with borders, fonts, and colors that set the mood. One or two letters are represented per page with vibrant color photographs, accompanied by a few lines of text and ample white space. The pictures will give children a broad overview of cultures they may not be familiar with. The first book is the effort of four young Ethiopians who were sponsored to write and photograph the volume. They introduce readers to the food, culture, religion, and history of their country with entries including, "I is for Injera" (a flat bread) and "L is for Listro" (shoe-shine boy). The associated text is succinct, clear, and informative. South Africa has a very different feel, as the writing is poetic and flowing: "I is for Imbira,/my little piano./My thumbs twing/and you sing!/Aiee, my little friend/from Zimbabwe!" A minor drawback of both titles is the lack of pronunciation guides, though the stunning photographs and engaging texts will spark curiosity and keep students captivated.-Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

M is for Madiba - Nelson Mandela! Madiba, elder of your clan. With friends, black and white, sent to prison for life you fought for everyone's right to be equal and free. After twenty-seven years your jailers tired of war and unlocked your prison door! Madiba, our first President elected democratically, your words still ring urgently: "Let's share our land in harmony." Excerpted from S Is for South Africa by Beverley Naidoo All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.