South Africa

Bones of the earliest humans, thought to be 100,000 years old, were found in South Africa. With a history that old most writers might have a hard time deciding what to leave out of a book. Unfortunately, this author seems challenged to find enough information to fill the pages. Barely skimming the surface of the culture and people, this book falls short of others in the series. Obviously issues of apartheid still haunt this country, but the author seems to find it difficult to stray from the topic long enough bring the people to life or provide insight into their heritage, history or culture (as other books in the series do quite well). The book includes a map, a recipe, a description of school programs, common slang phrases, in Zulu, and a game. A glossary, fast facts about South Africa, short bios on three well-known citizens and a book and website bibliography are also included. The colorful and interesting photographs are more appealing than the text and provide a glimpse of the people of South Africa. Part of the "Discovering Cultures" series. 2004, Benchmark Books, Ages 9 to 12.


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