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Africa at a Glance

King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1999 ISBN: 0618001905 At the end of the 19th century, when European colonial powers were scrambling to carve up the African continent, Leopold II, King of the Belgians, was determined not to be left out. Adam Hochschild's book tells the story of the greed that drove the powerful to violence and the moral passion that fueled the heroes who brought down Leopold's reign of terror, among them Presbyterian missionary William Sheppard. Hochschild unfolds a history of which many us of know only imperfect pieces. It is a history we must know or the ghosts of colonialism will continue to haunt us.	Africa: A Companion to the PBS Series by John Reader and Michael Lewis (Photographer) Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2001 ISBN: 0792276817 In a follow-up work to Africa: A Biography of a Continent, Reader supplies a more pictorial, less scholarly view of Africa. Still incorporating significant details on the continent's history, environment and people, the book is arranged by geographical region (savanna, desert, rain forest, mountains, Sahel, great lakes, coast and Southern Africa) and is illustrated with beautiful photos for each area. This introduction to Africa includes overviews on regional ways of life, noting specifics of climate, culture and geography. Each chapter ends with a profile of a contemporary individual living in the area discussed.
The Graves Are Not Yet Full: Race, Tribe and Power in the Heart of Africa by Bill Berkeley New York: Basic Books, 2001 ISBN: 0465006418 Drawing from more than a decade's experience of reporting in Africa, Berkeley offers a valuable historical commentary on control dynamics in Africa. He purports the ethnic conflicts that have killed hundreds of Africans result from power plays by African and world leaders. He also addresses traditional understandings of Africa, from corruption to use of the terms "tribe" and "tribalism." This enlightening look at Africa's history gives readers a good understanding of how global and continent-wide politics have affected specific ethnic groups.	Beatrice's Goat by Page McBrier, Illustrated by Lori Lohstoeter New York: Antheneum, 2001 ISBN: 0689824602 This beautifully told and illustrated story communicates one African family's true story with Heifer International, a PC(USA)-supported charitable organization that donates livestock to poor communities around the world. Children will learn, as Beatrice does, what one small goat can do for one family. The author subtly weaves details into the story about what life is like for Beatrice in a small Ugandan village called Kisinga.
Africa: A Biography of the Continent by John Reader New York: Vintage, 1997 ISBN: 067973869X In a well-informed and passionate work, Reader blends knowledge of history, politics and archaeology in Africa. He creates the most comprehensive look available at Africa's development and role in global progress. Even the most questioning readers will be satisfied by the range of topics-the evolution of humanity from East Africa, the challenges faced by early homo sapiens, migration of early humans out of Africa into Europe and South America, development of societies, the slave trade, imperialism and finally, modern politics and life. Maps, charts, photos, a complete index and extensive bibliographical list make this an essential book for any personal or community library.	Eyewitness: Africa by Yvonne Ayo, Photographed by Ray Moller and Geoff Dann New York: Doris Kindersley, 1995 ISBN: 0789460300 This educational book is ideal for children ages 10--13. Including basic facts and maps, the author carefully chose topics about Africa that would be understood and enjoyed by children in this age group. The photos and captions illustrate the geography, culture, history and lifestyle for the children and adults of Africa. Particularities of Islam and Christianity within Africa are discussed, while traditional religious beliefs and their rituals are communicated in clear and sensitive language. The images and text used to describe ethnic conflicts and the slave trade are also well-crafted, offering an age-sensitive look at difficult issues.

Available from Friendship Press
Friendship Press has several excellent resources on Ghana including

· Map & Facts: Africa
by Susan Converse Winslow
Item # FP73031, $8.95

· Claiming the Promise: African Churches Speak
by Musimbi Kanyoro, Andre Karamaga and Modupe Oduyoye
ISBN: 0377002674, $7.95

· A Trade in Death
by Scott Brunger
ISBN: 0377002658, $7.95

To order these Friendship Press resources, call 800/889-5733 or email tempsrvc@gbgm-umc.org.

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