South Africa (Enchantment of the World, Second) [Library Binding]

Ettagale Blauer (Author), Jason Laure (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2006 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Enchantment of the World, Second

This series meets National Curriculum Standard for: Social Studies: Culture Global Connections People, Places, & Environments Production, Distribution, & Consumption Time, Continuity, & Change

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-10–This well-written, up-to-date survey covers geography, history, constitutional development, the economy, language, religion, and current challenges. The authors provide a clear, concrete description of wealth alongside extreme poverty. There is an honest account of the government's response to the AIDS crisis and a balanced portrayal of achievements since independence along with the considerable challenges that the country continues to face. The history is clearly and accurately told, although the story of political resistance, especially before 1960, is thin. Color photos are clear and thoughtfully placed. Sidebars help to amplify the necessarily brief text. On the downside, some of the maps are small and cramped, and there are a few typographical errors and a couple of small errors of fact. But these are mere quibbles. This is the most insightful survey on South Africa in print. Not only is the text accurate, but it also captures some of the cultural, economic, and social complexities and contradictions in a succinct and even elegant way. No matter how many reasonably up-to-date country surveys on South Africa you already own, make room for this one. Your students need it.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. Originally published in 1986, this newly revised title in the Enchantment of the World series discusses the huge changes in South Africa, from apartheid to the present transformation. In 1980 Blauer and Laure coauthored the breakthrough photo-essay South Africa: Coming of Age under Apartheid, so it's no surprise that they root their candid commentary on the present scene in an accurate, in-depth history. Along with discussing the role of Nelson Mandela and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the authors consider religion, sports, literature, music, and much more, making clear that despite the changeover, huge economic inequalities still exist, as do problems such as AIDS, unemployment, and crime. Well-chosen, beautifully reproduced full-color photographs, clear maps, a time line, and "fast facts" complete the handsomely designed, readable package. Unfortunately, there are no notes and only a brief bibliography. For more on South Africa, pull out Rob Bowden's The Changing Face of South Africa (2002) and Benjamin Pogrund's Nelson Mandela (2004). Other revised series entries include Iraq and Taiwan.Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 144 pages
• Publisher: Children's Press (CT); Revised edition (March 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0516248537
• ISBN-13: 978-0516248530
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #517,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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