Synopsis
An introduction to the land, plants and animals, people, history, government, economy, cities, transportation and communication, and culture of South Africa.
School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-A basic, bare-bones introduction to the history, geography, and culture of South Africa, this title includes information about holidays, food, and recreation along with climate, population, and historical events. The history section is basically accurate, but lacks the details that would allow readers to see the logic of the events described. Occasionally, oversimplification leans toward inaccuracy, as in the statement that President F. W. de Klerk "disagreed with apartheid." Simple, short, rather choppy sentences are used throughout. There are accurate pronunciation guides to words in South African languages in the text. No sources are cited. There are instructions to go to the publisher's Web page, where one of the three Web sites was not available. The standard tourist-guide-type photographs are bright and clear. Young report writers should find this title useful as there is slightly more detail here than in Mary N. Oluonye's South Africa (Carolrhoda, 1999).-Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.