Discusses the history, culture, beliefs, changing ways and notable people of the Cree.
The Cree (Lifeways)
Nonfiction
Nonfiction genre
People of the Noatak
During five long visits to Alaska’s remote northwest coast to sketch and paint, the late Claire Fejes became guest and friend to the Native inhabitants there, learning their ways and customs. A personal narrative in text, drawings, and paintings, People of the Notatak concerns the people of two villages–Noatak, the summer settlement of a nomadic tribe that lives mainly in the wilderness interior, and Point Hope, whose economy centers around the hunting of the great bowhead whale.
Claire captures the life of the Native Inupiat in Northwest Alaska, before outside influences changed their lives. In a few simple strokes, her drawings evoke the heart and life of the Inupiat. Thanks in part to her habit of journal-keeping, Claire was able to record what she had witnessed in her years of travel and painting up the Yukon River into the Arctic Refuge.
A native New Yorker, Claire received her art training at the Newark Art Museum and taught art until moving to Alaska. She wrote with rare insight and understanding about the intimate daily lives of mothers and fathers and their children, of husbands and wives and in-laws in the villages in which she lived, an aspect of Eskimo life rarely treated in books.
Originally published in 1966, People of the Noatak is an excellent portrayal of the Inupiat people before modern changes, a glimpse into the Inupiat world when traditional values and roots were strong.
People of the Trail: How the Northern Forest Indians Lived
Describes the family life, games, hunting and fishing techniques, homes, clothing, beliefs, and means of travel of the Indians of the Northwest.
Zimbabwe
Discusses Zimbabwe, including its history, conflicts, and the reasons why it is currently in the news.
Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures: Ancient Egypt
Ms. Frizzle and her tour group are transported to ancient Egypt, where they learn about the pyramids, mummification, flooding of the Nile, and other aspects of life in Egypt long ago.
Cat Mummies
Clearly written text offers an answer to the question of why ancient Egyptians mummified thousands and thousands of cats. An easy-to-understand introduction to ancient Egyptian history. “Extensive research is evident in the many original sources quoted and the lengthy bibliography. . . . Kubinyi’s soft-focus watercolors work well to explain and break up the text.” — School Library Journal
Gorilla Walk
In 1997, Ted and Betsy Lewin trekked into the Impenetrable Forest in Uganda to see mountain gorillas in the wild. This real-life adventure story is the amazing saga of that trip. At moments funny, exhausting, educational, and enlightening, Gorilla Walk is filled with the wonder of nature in general–and of this magnificent animal in particular.Notable Children’s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council, 2000 Notable Children’s Books (ALA), and Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 2000–selected by Natn’l Science Tchrs Assoc. & Child. Bk Cncl.
Bulu
Fans of true dog stories, Jack Russell terriers, and African wildlife will want to check outBulu! Born on a crocodile farm in Zambia’s untamed South Luangwa Valley, the puppy seemed different from his littermates. Too quiet. Unresponsive. Terriers are usually full of energy and bouncing off walls. But not this one. Nobody wanted him. Enter Anna and Steve Tolan-former police officers who had left behind their life in England to live in the African bush. People thought the Tolans were a bit different, too. The peculiar puppy suited them perfectly. They named him Bulu, or “wild dog” in the local Nyanja language. Living in the bush, Bulu not only found his voice, he also found his calling as a foster parent to the orphaned baby animals-including warthogs, monkeys, elephants, baboons, bushbucks, and buffalo-cared for by the Tolans. But Bulu’s protective nature led him into terrifying situations in the wild. It’s a miracle he survived! But survive he did, disarming people with his wacky ways and nurturing once-unwanted creatures like him until they too could be set free. Bulu’s story is a joyful confirmation of dogs as unique spirits, capable of love, compassion, and bravery. Packed with vivid descriptions of encounters with crocodiles, lions, leopards, poisonous snakes, bull elephants, and more-and illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs-Bulu: African Wonder Dogwill leave fans of dog stories begging for more!
Give a Goat
After hearing a story about a girl in Uganda whose life is changed for the better by the gift of a goat, a class of fifth-graders pulls together to raise funds to make a similar donation to someone in need.
This book has been included in WOW’s Kids Taking Action Booklist. For our current list, visit our Boolist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.
Saving the Baghdad Zoo
The Baghdad zoo was once home to more than six hundred magnificent animals. But after the war in Iraq began in 2003, the city faced widespread destruction. When U. S. Army Captain William Sumner was asked to check out the state of the zoo, he found that it, too, was devastated. Hundreds of animals were missing, and the few remaining were in desperate need of care. And so Captain Sumner accepted a new mission. Together with an international team of zoologists, veterinarians, conservationists, and dedicated animal lovers, Captain Sumner worked tirelessly to save the neglected—but tenacious—animals of Baghdad. Saving the Baghdad Zoo tells the poignant stories of these remarkable animals. Meet the abandoned lions who roamed an empty palace with no food or drink; the camel, Lumpy, who survived transport through sniper fire; the tigers, Riley and Hope, who traveled 7,000 miles from home; and many more. The Baghdad Zoo, open once again to the people of Iraq, has become an oasis of hope and safety in a city where both are precious gifts.