Book Descriptions
for Joshua's Masai Mask by Anna Rich and Dakari Hru
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Joshua loves to play the kalimba, an instrument tied to his African heritage. His family enthusiasticly encourages him to perform with it in the school talent contest, but the thought has him mortified - the kids in school will laugh! It would be different if could rap and dance like popular Kareem Cooper. Even when Uncle Zambezi gives Joshua a Masai mask to wear in the show, Joshua can't help wishing he were Kareem. But when the power of the mask allows Joshua to experience other people's lives firsthand, he develops a new appreciation for his own, especially when he and his kalimba save the show! Brightly colored full-page illustrations provide a vivid backdrop for the text. (Ages 5-8)
CCBC Choices 1993. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 1993. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
An ideal read-along tale of self-discovery and acceptance, set in a supportive Harlem family. When his family suggests he should play his kalimba, a traditional African musical instrument, in the school talent show, Joshua thinks that all his classmates will make fun of him. But Joshua learns that it's better to be true to yourself. Color illustrations throughout.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.