Book Review Amazing Africa A to Z

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
                                                           Nelson Mandela

Authors Dr. Artika R. Tyner and Monica Habia are passionate educators promoting global citizenship. In their book “Amazing Africa A to Z” readers are given a visual experience of traveling to Africa and also discovering connections with African children along the way. Co-author Monica Habia is a native daughter of Ghana who shares the same love for Africa as Dr. Tyner does. Both authors are committed to creating educational opportunities for women and girls in Africa. This book supports their mission by showcasing the accomplishments of great women leaders like Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of Ejisu in the Ashanti Kingdom, and Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former president of Liberia and the first elected female president in Africa.

The ABC book format is geared for young readers but not limited so older readers can also enjoy benefiting from a book journey to the fastest-growing continent Africa. What a wonderful diverse resource these authors have created for classroom and home use. Shared reading with a parent and/or educators invites conversation and assists with decoding many unfamiliar words.

The illustrations in this book are eye-catching, unfolding in an ABC format. Each letter is illustrated in bold, busy, and colorful fashion with intense patterns and hues associated with African culture. I thought the authors were quite creative in their choices for letters Q, X, and Y, which can be challenging letters to create in an ABC book.

With the turn of each page, children bridge the knowledge gap that exists about the continent. Readers learn facts about Africa, its history, geography, language, different tribes, education, cities, food, important writers, and proverbs. As a former educator, I highly recommend this valuable resource to encourage global exploration.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Artika Tyner

Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme. She is a passionate educator, an award-winning author, a civil rights attorney, a motivational speaker, and an advocate for justice. She is the founder of the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute.

                                                                   MONICA HABIA

Monica Habia was born and raised in Ghana. She believes in the power of quality education and is committed to bridging the knowledge gap in Africa through her writings and research.
She is the Program Manager, for the Office for Diversity and Inclusion - the University of St. Thomas.