Traditional African American Arts and Activities (Paperback)

by Sonya Kimble - Ellis (Author) "For centuries, celebrations have been an important part of African American culture..." (more)
Key Phrases: African American, Little Daughter, Black History Month (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7-This title explores the rich and diverse cultural history of African Americans. Through activities, quotes, brief historical notes, and a glossary, a wide variety of information is presented. Projects are grouped under chapters that discuss "Celebrations," "Traditions," "Crafts," "Games," "Culture," and "Soul Food and Caribbean Cuisine." Each activity begins with an explanation of its historical and cultural significance to Africans and/or African Americans. Clear instructions are presented in a "Here's What You Need," "Here's What You Do" format. The simple line drawings of figures with exaggerated and elongated features are not particularly attractive but help illustrate and clarify the projects.
Genevieve Gallagher, New York Public Library
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
Gr 3-7: This title explores the rich and diverse cultural history of African Americans. Through activities, quotes, brief historical notes, and a glossary, a wide variety of information is presented. Projects are grouped under chapters that discuss "Celebrations," "Traditions," "Crafts," "Games," "Culture," and "Soul Food and Caribbean Cuisine." Each activity begins with an explanation of its historical and cultural significance to Africans and/or African Americans. Clear instructions are presented in a "Here's What You Do" format. The simple line drawings of figures with exaggerated and elongated features are not particularly attractive but help illustrate and clarify the projects. --Genevieve Gallagher, New York Public Library. (School Library Journal, August 2002)

" this captivating learn-and-do guide explores the treasured stories and customs of the earliest African-Americans and of their descendants today "(Right On!, December 2002)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Jossey - Bass; 1 edition (December 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471410462
• ISBN-13: 978-0471410461
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,159,004 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun *and* useful!, September 3, 2004

By	Abracapocus "librarian, storyteller, cinephile" (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews

As I write this, the only other review attached to this book (Sonya Kimble-Ellis' Traditional African American Arts and Activities) is clearly *not* assigned correctly: it talks about science experiments, not African American arts and activities. The book linked to buy along with this one also has to do with science activities; it looks like somebody assigned this book the wrong category in Amazon's web database!

Regardless: this is a great book, part of Wiley's "Celebrating Our Heritage" series (see also Wiley's excellent books from Arlette Braman, for "Celebrating Our Heritage" and "Kids Around the World"). Like the other books from Wiley, the text is directed at kids but is especially good for kids and adults to explore together. It gives solid information accompanied by do-able activities with clear instructions. The Martin Luther King Day section is not exactly "traditional" in the folkloric sense, but this is a very valuable book. Kudos Kimble-Ellis and to Wiley for such a strong package!