Africa  •  David Petersen CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1998 •  PAPER • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Part of the True Book series, this illustrated, readable volume teaches children about the geography and diverse cultures of Africa. Geared towards younger readers (4-8). (AFR219, $6.95)
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)
Akimbo and the Elephants  •  Alexander McCall Smith LITERATURE •  2007 •  PAPER  • 68 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A chapter book for young readers by the astoundingly prolific author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The series, originally published in Britain in the 1990s, tracks the ongoing adventures of 10-year-old Akimbo, whose father is a game warden. In this tale, Akimbo comes up with a plan to stop the ivory poachers. With black-and-white illustrations. Geared for 8-9 year olds. (AFR157, $5.99)
Akimbo and the Snakes  •  Alexander McCall Smith  •  LeUyen Pham LITERATURE •  2006 •  HARD COVER  • 80 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A chapter book for young readers by the astoundingly prolific author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The series, originally published in Britain in the 1990s, tracks the ongoing adventures of 10-year-old Akimbo, whose father is a game warden. In this tale, Akimbo visits his uncle's snake farm and gets up close and personal with the deadly green mamba. With black-and-white illustrations. Geared for 8-9 year olds. (AFR172, $9.95)
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)
Countries of the World: South Africa  •  Viriginia Mace CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2008 •  HARD COVER  • 64 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A vivid introduction to the cultural history, rich biodiversity and varied landscapes of South Africa. (SAF210, $27.90)
The Day Gogo Went to Vote  •  Elinor Batezat Sisulu LITERATURE •  1999 •  PAPER • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A richly illustrated, inspiring book about Thembi, a young boy, and his great-grandmother Gogo. When black South Africans are given the right to vote, Thembi goes with Gogo to vote for the first time in her life (SAF212, $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)
Jamela's Dress  •  Niki Daly LITERATURE •  2004 •  PAPER • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Daly, a native South African, illustrates his tale of a mother and daughter with marvelous watercolor, warm tones and local atmosphere. When Jamela's mother buys some beautiful fabric, Jamela can't resist playing dress-up and walking around town. Ages 3-6. (SAF214, $6.95)
Jock of the Bushveld  •  Percy Fitzpatrick TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2007 •  PAPER  • 496 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) First published in 1907, these true tales of Fitzpatrick's travels with his dog in South Africa were a favorite with Rudyard Kipling. A reprint including the original illustrations. (SAF211, $38.95)
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)
No Turning Back, A Novel of South Africa  •  Beverley Naidoo LITERATURE •  1999 •  PAPER • YOUNG ADULTS The gritty and page-turning story of 12-year-old Sipho and his life in the mean streets of Johannesburg after he runs away from trouble at home. Best for ages 10-14. (SAF213, $5.99)
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)
Safari, My Trip To Africa  •  Susan Hoy TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  1995 •  HARD COVER  • 80 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Reginald Oliver Smythe, the traveling teddy bear, takes a trip on safari in Africa in this read-aloud diary. Accompanied by his owner and travel companion, Susan Hoy, Reggie provides charming observations of the trip. Beautifully illustrated, this entertaining, spiral bound book will appeal to little kids on safari. (AFR70, $26.00)
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)
Spud  •  John van de Ruit LITERATURE •  2008 •  PAPER  • 336 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A bestseller in South Africa, van der Ruit's spirited young adult novel follows a boy's hilarious steps towards manhood in an elite boarding school as Apartheid is crumbling in 1990. (SAF201, $8.99)
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)