Bathseba Opini and Richard B. Lee,
Africans Thought of It: Amazing Innovations (We Thought Of It Series)
Annick Press, 2011.

Rating: E

In this easy reading volume, junior/intermediate readers will learn about the history, civilization, culture, and innovations of life in different countries in the continent of Africa. This non-fictional work provides insights into a diverse and multi-cultural landscape, its rich traditions, customs, daily life - as unique as each people who occupy it - along with the contributions made to traditional and modern life locally, internationally and globally.

The colourful photographs and illustrations hook the reader to investigate the text for information about their portrayal and importance to the African people. The text engages readers through dynamic explanation of the use, importance and/or heritage of a wide variety of cultural phenomena including: hunting, agriculture, architecture, metal work, arts and crafts, communication, food, medicine, instruments, and games and sports.

This series of books provides a plethora of interesting and informative information both in text and pictorial formats that inspires the reader to learn about other cultures and their contributions to the world. Highly recommended for recreational reading, as well as short research assignments, discussions and sharing.

Thematic Links: African Inventions; African Culture

Sharon Armstrong
Vol. 16, number 5
June 2011

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.