African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History
by Tracey Baptiste art by Hillary D. Wilson
| "the history of Africa is...the longest of anywhere on Earth." Baptiste is a master storyteller with a solid background as the author of numerous informational books for young readers. All her skills come into play with African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History, the collected biographies of individuals who had a significant impact on African and the world civilization. Each featured person is introduced with a brief description of geography and setting, followed by a full-page portrait with a name pronunciation guide. These segments neatly segue the biographical profiles from one time period to a succeeding moment in history. Some of the featured individuals: Imhotep, Aesop, and Hannibal Barca are familiar historical figures. Others are less well known. Information is presented in such vibrant detail that the narrative takes on a multidimensional quality. |  |
Baptiste extensive research reveals fascinating insights into the lives of four influential women: Merneith, Amanirenas, Tin Hinan, and Queen Idia. Readers are introduced to: the mother who served as a regent and facilitated the transfer of power from father to son, the warrior queen who fed prisoners to her pet lion and negotiated the Roman retreat from her country, a queen with a disability who founded a thriving city in the desert, a woman skilled in medical and mystic arts who ensured that her son learn Portuguese to facilitate diplomatic negotiations without a translator.
Thank you, Tracey. We need more stories about historically significant women.
Thank you, Tracey. We need more stories about historically significant women.
Of interest to librarians is the chapter titled “Libraries in the Sands.” Readers will learn that scholarship in sixteenth century Timbuktu was legendary. Library collections consisted of a wealth of information on a vast array of topics as well as literary works. Books were handwritten on paper made from linen or fish skins and richly embellished with designs and illustrations.
Back matter includes: Culture Lost description of innovative, intellectual, and artistic accomplishments originating in Africa that were erased by European colonization, an Author’s Note, extensive Source Notes organized by chapter topics, a lengthy Bibliography, suggestions for Further Exploration, an Index, and a Designer’s Note. The depth and breadth of the author’s research is impressive.
This slim volume is an essential addition to public, school, and classroom libraries, filling an often-neglected historical, geographical, and sociological information gap. My advice: If library funds are limited and it becomes necessary to limit purchases, put this book on the “must buy” list.
Meet the Creators
“here is to Africa achieving the stature that it deserves to have…” Kai Krause
Author | Artist | Graphic Designer |
| Baptiste is the author the best-selling Jumbies series. Stories are expertly paced, building to a thrilling climax. Complex characters, cinema graphic settings, and intriguing story lines are hallmarks of her work. | Wilson, a professionally trained medical illustrator (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) brings her considerable skills to this authoritative work. Each portrait conveys the unique demeanor and physical characteristics of its subject. | Kai Krause is German software and graphical user interface designer. He is credited with creating a map of Africa that more accurately depicts the immense size of this content. Read his description of The True Size of Africa. |
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 19, 2021 Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers ISBN: 978-1616209001
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