Africa South of the Sahara (Artisans Around the World) [Library Binding]

Susan Rich (Author), Margot Volem (Author), Cynthia Black (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1999 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Artisans Around the World

Presents brief historical information and instructions for craft projects representative of the people of Kenya, Benin, South Africa, and Congo.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-These titles provide a brief overview of each country's history and geography, along with an appealing presentation of local folk art. Well-designed and attractive, all three volumes have excellent color maps, drawings, and photographs that extend the texts. Each book contains chapters about neighboring countries and a sidebar of facts; a time line; an introduction to a local craft and its history; and necessary tools, materials, and safety tips for a related project. The first title features Mexico (aluminum ornaments), Nicaragua (giant puppet), Panama (mola patch), and Guatemala (handwoven pouch). Scandinavia covers Sweden (oro mobile), Denmark (cross-stitch sampler), Lapland (magic drum), and Norway (rosemaling designs). Africa highlights Kenya (beadwork), Benin (story-cloth banner), South Africa (wire toy), and Congo (carved-wood mask). Though the directions are clear and complete, some are quite complex and will require adult help or supervision.-Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CA

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann Library (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073980118X
• ISBN-13: 978-0739801185
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,661,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Susan Rich grew up in Massachusetts where she spent most of her childhood dreaming of other worlds. As soon as she could, she left home and began wandering. Sarajevo, Cape Town, and Gaza City are some of the places her travels took her. THE CARTOGRAPHER'S TONGUE includes a sequence of poems from her time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa and as an Electoral Supervisor participating in the first national elections in Bosnia. The Cartographer's Tongue won the PEN Award for Poetry as well as the Peace Corps Writers Award. Her second book, CURES INCLUDE TRAVEL, continues with poems of South Africa and Somalia juxtaposed with observations of her home geography of Seattle. Her poems have appeared in the Alaska Quarterly Review, Christian Science Monitor, Harvard Magazine, Poetry International and Witness. She teaches in the Antioch MFA program and at Highline Community College in the Seattle area.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Artisans Around the World, February 1, 2003

By 

Jona Chambers, teacher/parent (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Africa South of the Sahara (Artisans Around the World) (Library Binding)

All six books in this series are gorgeous. They connect the geography, history, and culture of a region in a way that will interest kids and adults alike. Beautiful photos, drawings, and stunning maps. The introductory information to each project is interesting and helps kids understand why people might do certain types of art. The step-by-step project instructions are easy to follow, with drawings to accompany each step. Some projects are challenging; others easy to do with a large group, but they all are student-tested (with photos of their final products!). Best of all, they are authentic folk art projects-not the "let's make a toilet paper drum" variety. These projects work great for scout troop activities and home school projects as well as for public school teachers who want to connect art with history and geography. These books could be used with upper elementary through middle school students. Highly recommended for classroom use and as gifts for grandchildren!