Joshua's Masai Mask

Rating:
Summary: Good Book...You can use it in many different ways.
Review: The only thing Masai or Kenyan about this book was the Masai mask. The book is about an African boy - possibly African American - who can't figure out what to do for the school talent show. His family wants him to play the kalimba, which by the way is not a Kenyan instrument. Joshua feels that his African instrument isn't cool enough.

The story is a good story and illustrations are great. When I obtained this book I was hoping for a story about Masai people - or a little something about Kenya. You know, a children's story book. Anyway, I was initially quite disappointed with this book.

Rating:
Summary: Not much Masai
Review: The only thing Masai or Kenyan about this book was the Masai mask. The book is about an African boy - possibly African American - who can't figure out what to do for the school talent show. His family wants him to play the kalimba, which by the way is not a Kenyan instrument. Joshua feels that his African instrument isn't cool enough.

The story is a good story and illustrations are great. When I obtained this book I was hoping for a story about Masai people - or a little something about Kenya. You know, a children's story book. Anyway, I was initially quite disappointed with this book.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book...You can use it in many different ways.
Review: While the story may seem lacking in certain parts (like the only thing African about the book is the instrument and some clothing) anyone could use the book in a lesson, for example. As a future teacher I used the book with 2nd graders along with Annie's Gifts by Angela Shelf Greene. Both books are about talents that people have, or want to have. Anyways, I use Joshua's Masai Mask as an introduction to Africa. I read the book to the class and on following days, I focused on a variety of instruments, clothing, animals, and much much more that is all about Africa. :)