From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. Far from the usual vague photo-essay of Africa as one primitive place, titles in the six-volume History of Africa series provide a close-up, readable, accurate overview of the diverse African nations and their political histories. In Nations and Leaders , each of the 53 independent countries is showcased on a packed double-page spread, with a summary of the contemporary struggle for independence, brief profiles of important leaders, and a detailed time line. Southern Africa , which provides in-depth coverage for one of the five geographic regions, goes back to prehistory, then describes the emergence of states such as Zimbabwe, the period of European settlement and domination, and the rise of resistance from Mozambique to Namibia. Much attention is devoted to apartheid, the repression and the liberation struggle. A final section looks at politics in the region today. The texts are dense, but lots of small portraits, boxes, and sepia-tone illustrations make the books more readable. Good first references for junior high and high school that will help students find exciting subjects to explore in more depth elsewhere. Hazel Rochman
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