Synopsis
Kenya is a country rich in culture and beauty. Your young students will explore this colorful and diverse land through activities and information intended to spark their imaginations. Your students will be guided through the activities in this book by Joseph, a young Kenyan boy. They will learn about his home and family, favorite meals, games, and activities. Many different cross-curricular activities and projects are included, enabling you to incorporate Kenya into every aspect of your classroom.
Children's Literature
This offering in the "Countries and Cultures" series is a clear, concisely written presentation of modern Kenya, including its history, geography, demographics and culture. Each chapter opens with "Fast Facts" summarizing the most pertinent information related to the topic covered. Basic information in the form of maps, photographs and sidebars accompanies the straightforward text. The authors have succeeded in describing Kenya's resources, rich culture and problems in an objective fashion. Its wealth of resources, natural and cultural, are apparent as is its persistent problem with a struggling economy and the resulting social and ethnic tensions. A remarkable amount of interesting, useful information is included in this well-written text that is appropriate for middle and upper-elementary students, as well as older readers with modest reading skills. Adults unfamiliar with Kenya's history of British rule, the Mau Mau rebellion and Jomo Kenyatta's legacy in the early years of independence will find the author's review useful. Information about the major ethnic groups in Kenya, their various religious dispositions, languages and life styles reinforces the important concept that African is a land of massive complexity and contrast. Equally helpful are the resources in the appendices¾a timeline of Kenyan history beginning with the prehistoric era, a glossary, a bibliography of additional readings, an index and related addresses and Internet sites for further information. 2002, Bridgestone Books, $23.93. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Anne Field