Joshua's Masai Mask

By Anna Rich

Book Overview

A magical Masai mask takes an African American boy on a series of adventures, and he discovers the joy of being himself.

Joshua loves playing his kalimba, a traditional African musical instrument. But when his family suggests he join the school talent show, he thinks it's a terrible idea - all his classmates like rap. Wishing to be popular, Joshua turns to his Uncle Zambezi, who gives him a magical Masai mask. Little does he know, the mask will grant Joshua his wish, and more..

Anna Rich's illustrations give the humorous characters spunk and charm, while Dakari Hru creates a fun, positive tale in which a young boy learns what it's like to be in someone else's shoes.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1880000326
• ISBN13: 9781880000328
• Release Date: April 2013
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.1" x 10.1"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Good Book...You can use it in many different ways.

While the story may seem lacking in certain parts (like the only thing African about the book is the instrument and some clothing) anyone could use the book in a lesson, for example. As a future teacher I used the book with 2nd graders along with Annie's Gifts by Angela Shelf Greene. Both books are about talents that people have, or want to have. Anyways, I use Joshua's Masai Mask as an introduction to Africa. I read the book to the class and on following days, I focused on a variety of instruments, clothing, animals, and much much more that is all about Africa. :)