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Deep In The Sahara (2013)

by Kelly Cunnane(Favorite Author)

3.97 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0375870342 (ISBN13: 9780375870347)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

Schwartz & Wade

review 1: Written with a poetic lilt, this book exposes children to the dress and culture of Islam in West Africa and the reasons women's dress in a malafa. As young Lalla greets each of the women in her extended family she expresses her desire to wear a malafa. As each woman responds to Lalla's desire to dress like them, they share a bit more depth as to the reasons malafa's are worn in these countries. When Lalla finally grasps the rich significance of the malafa she is allowed to wear one and join the community of women in her culture. A wonderful introduction to the more moderate side of Muslim peoples and the blending of cultural customs between West African peoples and their Islamic religion.
review 2: This is a beautifully written and illustrated (using collag... moree and simple colors) book that explains the purpose of a malafa or head covering in West Africa. A young girl desires one for many reasons, each of them not quite hitting the mark on the purpose of a malafa. Through her determination she learns the true meaning of it and receives one of her own. I enjoyed this story because it was a learning opportunity for me as well. The book indicates that the purpose of the malafa is to help people focus less on outward appearance and more on an inner spiritual connection. Kelly Cunnane includes an author's note in the back of the text that further explains her experience and preparation in writing this text. less

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