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list price: $11.95
edition:Paperback
also available: Hardcover eBook
category: Children's Nonfiction
published: Feb 2011
ISBN:9781554512768
publisher: Annick Press

Africans Thought of It

Amazing Innovations

by Bathseba Opini & Richard B. Lee

tagged: africa, how things work-are made, inventions
Description

Did you know that aloe vera—now found in countless products, including sunscreens and soaps—was first used by Africans? They ground it into powder and used it to treat burns and other skin conditions, and hunters used it to disguise their scent from animals. They also used the nutritious oil from the fruit of the oil palm tree in everything from cooking to medicines to wine. And the marimba, better known to us as the xylophone, is believed to have originated 700 years ago in Mali. Other unique African innovations include the technique of banana leaf art and using horns—and hairdos!—to communicate important messages.

Africans Thought of It features descriptive photos and information-packed text that is divided into sections, including: • Agriculture • Food • Medicine • Music • Architecture • Games & Sports

This fourth book in Annick’s successful We Thought of It series takes readers on a fascinating journey across the world’s second largest continent to discover how aspects of its culture have spread around the globe.

About the Authors
Bathseba Opini, PhD, was born and raised in Kenya. She is a teacher at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

Richard B. Lee, PhD, is an internationally known anthropologist and fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He is professor of anthropology at the University of Toronto, Ontario.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
9 to 11
Grade:
4 to 6
Reading age:
9 to 11
Awards
  • Joint winner, Skipping Stones Honor Book
  • Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
  • , Silver Birch Award
Editorial Reviews

“Vivid photographs feature authentic objects used . . . succinct definitions and compact descriptions provide an interesting blend of the contemporary with the traditional . . . informative and age-appropriate.”

— School Library Journal, 10/11

“A wealth of information for anyone studying about African countries and their cultures.”

— CM Reviews, 05/11

“Jam-packed with information about the copious resource of Africa, this . . . book is a great social studies reference source.”

— Library Media Connection, 03/12

“Good introductions that could lead into deeper discussions and research.”

— Doucette Library of Teaching Resources, 02/12

“Provides a plethora of interesting and informative information both in text and pictorial format.”

— Resource Links, 06/11

“No matter how much you know about the traditions and products of this vast multi-cultural continent, [this] will reveal something new.”

— Foreword Reviews, 03/11

“Readers can dip in and out of it, although it’s interesting enough that once they dip in, they probably won’t dip out until they’ve read the whole thing.”

— Biblio File, 12/23/11

“[A] clear, colorful design that includes numerous full-color photos and a great deal of informatoin . . . A fascinating blend of tradition and modernity is evident.” 

— Kirkus Reviews, 05/15/11

“A great concept . . . Excellent colour photographs enhance the text and make it an accessible book for kids of all ages.”

— Canadian Children’s Book News, Spring/11

Out of print

This edition is not currently available in bookstores. Check your local library or search for used copies at Abebooks.

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