A Guide to African Myths
From the Set The Global Guide to Mythology
From the earliest days of humanity, various African cultures have created myths to explain the world around them. From the powerful Anansi, the spider trickster, to the awe-inspiring gods of the Yoruba, these captivating stories present a vivid tapestry of cultural beliefs and folklore. The engaging main text, augmented with informative sidebars, provides young readers with an opportunity to delve into the heart of African mythology, fostering a greater appreciation for the continent's history, culture, and spiritual heritage. A list of relevant books and websites provides a jumping-off point for further independent research.
SLJ Review of The Global Guide to Mythology
Gr 6–9—Over millennia, people shared similar values, fears, concerns, and cultural attitudes, and the stories they told and passed down conveyed these ideas within their societies. Each book in this series opens with an introduction the nation of origin and/or culture that produced a set of myths. Students learn that myths share some cross-cultural thematic similarities in trope (creation myths, hero tales, flood tales, tricksters, myths explaining natural phenomena), in function (myths also entertain and teach lessons), and in characterization. While some of these concepts are heady and thought-provoking, the myths included here are entertaining, wistful, exciting, and humorous. Each volume summarizes the culture’s belief and traditions, and students will learn some history along the way. The series is clearly written, although pronunciation guides would have helped. A blend of photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations of artworks representative of individual cultures lend strong visual appeal. Sidebars and captions offer additional information, and each chapter ends with some critical thinking questions. Back matter includes a glossary, an index, and a bibliography. VERDICT Highly recommended for school and public library collections.
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