passport to south africa
Written by Dr. Artika Tyner
I commend Dr. Tyner for all the work he has done for our children and communities in promoting literacy. Her body of work involves broadening her horizons. As it turns out, it’s not just America that’s going on in this city. She has published several ‘passport’ books for children, the latest being ‘Your Passport to South Africa’.
A passport to South Africa is multifaceted. The first chapter welcomes young readers with references to the country’s map, its facts, and its diversity.
Chapter 2 takes you through a history that stretches back to 20,000-year-old indigenous peoples, 2-million-year-old fossils, colonization, apartheid, the country’s struggle for freedom, and luminaries such as Nelson Mandela .
Chapter 3 introduces places to see and explore, including historic landmarks, around South Africa.
Chapter 4 introduces the culture and customs of everyday life, including art and music.
Chapter 5 discusses national holidays and celebrations such as Freedom Day (December 16) and Nelson Mandela Day (July 18).
Sports and Recreation makes up Chapter 6 and includes favorites such as football and Kugarty.
She doesn’t stop there. This book is filled with fun facts throughout. Photos of events, places, and people are added, and a glossary of terms is added at the end. The book also includes words used in South Africa’s official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans. There is also a recipe for brown pudding, a popular dessert in this country.
In fact, I enjoy Mr. Tyner’s teaching style and at the same time gives us insight into other countries’ cultures and history and expands our horizons.
Passport to South Africa is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Capstone Press, and the Planting People Growing Justice website (www.ppgjli.com).
Thank you, Artika, for providing us with the education that many of us did not receive as children and exposing our children to other cultures. Thank you very much.
