From Kansas to Cannibals: The Story of Osa Johnson (Avisson Young Adult Series) [Paperback]

Suzanne Middendorf Arruda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2001 | Age Level: 11 and up | Series: Avisson Young Adult Series

A biography of the female explorer Osa Johnson who, with her husband Martin, made films about the Solomon Islands and Africa between the years 1920 and 1940.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-Osa Leighty came from a line of strong women who taught her that being different was not a bad thing. She realized early that life had many things to offer and, at the age of 16, she eloped with photographer Martin Johnson and spent the next seven years touring the United States giving travel shows. In 1917, she accompanied her husband to the South Seas to film cannibal headhunters. In later years, the couple traveled to remote locations in Africa to film the natives and wildlife. The narrative is often exciting-more than once Johnson had to stave off charging beasts while her husband continued filming, oblivious to danger. The descriptions of cannibals and the mention of a head roasting on an open fire will surely appeal to some readers, while others will enjoy learning about a fearless woman who made up her own mind-no minor feat in the early part of the 20th century. Black-and-white photos of uneven contrast appear throughout. The nine-entry bibliography includes seven titles by the Johnsons. A lively, involving read.

Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Paperback: 90 pages
• Publisher: Avisson Pr Inc; 1st edition (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188810550X
• ISBN-13: 978-1888105506
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,892,235 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The New Woman of the Twentieth Century, February 10, 2002

By 

Helen C. Daley (Kansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Kansas to Cannibals: The Story of Osa Johnson (Avisson Young Adult Series) (Paperback)

Osa Johnson WAS the new woman of the twentieth century. She did not stay home and tend to her husband and raise kids. She tended to her husband while enjoying the adventure he pursued. The twentieth century was a time of change for women in America. This book is a wonderful way of introducing young people to the changes made by this woman for other women of her time. In fact, I think adults would also enjoy reading this as much as I did. It sparked an interest that continues to grow.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Grovelling, July 3, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: From Kansas to Cannibals: The Story of Osa Johnson (Avisson Young Adult Series) (Paperback)

I never understood the fascination with this woman, often hailed as being a flyer and adventurer and crackshot hunter. Neither she nor her husband Martin ever flew their aircraft, Osa was often protected by an off-camera sharpshooter, and as for adventure, maybe, but she became an alcoholic due in part to depression over being away from home so often. She smiles on-camera as Martin belittles her. She seemed to be a tool for Martin, a cute face who helped him sell half-bogus and often times staged films. One book they wrote deals with cannibals. Howeverm tha cannibal theory has been all but debunked, and they knowlingly filmed head-curing ceremonies, passing this off as cannibalism. They starved animals out of their hiding areas for the sake of a photo.
To cal this woman a great American Hero or something is silly. Want a real female hero from Kansas? Read up on Amelia Earhart, who DID fly her aircraft and didn't need a man to make her wealthy.
Another in a line of slobbering books, making heroes out of very questionable people.