Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Today's read.... Mansa Musa by Our Story Media

 I'm staying in the nonfiction vein with today's read and taking a peek at another historical figure, who changed the world. This comes from a series and concentrates on figures often forgotten in our western curriculum. I'll admit that while I've heard of Mansa Musa and know a tinsy-bit, it isn't much. So, I have something to learn.

As an extra bonus, each book sale funds one day of schooling for a girl in Africa.





MANSA MUSA
The richest man in history
Illustrated by Emanuel Colban
Our Story Media
52 pages
ages 8 to 12

History has so many stories about people who have had a significant impact on the world but are known by very few people; our aim is to change that. Our Story is made up of their stories, and through learning about them you will realise that there really is no limit to what you can achieve.

‘Mansa Musa - The richest man in history’ is a biography for children about the richest person that ever lived.

Written and published independently by Our Story Media Group, the book features outstanding illustrations by Emanuel Colban.

This is a 52 page picture book with activities, discussion points and QR codes to further information and a pronunciation guide for our young readers to interact with.

Did you know that the richest person in history was a West African Emperor? Learn more about his epic journey from Africa to Arabia and how he founded a world renowned university with his wealth in this spectacular book!

We are also delighted to have partnered with CAMFED to provide one day of schooling for a young girl in Africa with each book purchased.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /    OUR STORY


MY TIDBITS

The history of Mansa Musa comes across with unexpected food-for-thought and insures readers will remember, at least, some aspects of this historical figure even long after they've read the last page.

This is one of, so far, two books, which introduce historical figures, who had a large impact on the world, but are often overlooked in Western world curriculum. It does a lovely job at delivering the information in a way readers can easily understand. A larger font is used to create reading ease, and the text stays relatively concise, while delivering the information in a smooth and interesting way.  But this isn't just a dry read, anyway. There are questions, activities and even QR codes mixed in to give readers pause to consider and contemplate the material. Plus, there's a glossary at the end to help with the more difficult terms and vocabulary. The illustrations add visual keys to the history and make various situations clear. These are bright and hold a positive, cheerful atmosphere to make each page inviting. 

While this is recommended for ages 8 to 12, I'd slide it down just a slight bit and put it more in the range of 6 to 9. While the information is interesting, the text is a bit light for the older end of the suggested age group...but that's just the text. This book also offers plenty of openings for thoughtful discussions. It goes beyond the surface facts and invites the reader to consider the broader aspects surrounding the time period, life, and situations of the time. These can lead to deeper discussions or even essay ideas. I do see this as a nice addition to classroom, group, or, especially, homeschooling settings.

3 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

They actually need a book of historical figures like that for adults. I've never heard of him.

Tonja Drecker said...

Agreed!

Natalie Aguirre said...

I hadn't heard of him either. I think learning about who the richest person in the world was would be an intriguing topic kids (and adults) would be interested in.