(4) K-3 Illustrated by Hazel Mitchell. Little Imani is teased by the children in their Maasai village because she's small. Mama's bedtime stories help Imani dream so big that she tries--unsuccessfully--to "touch the moon." After watching warriors perform an adumnu (jumping dance), Imani knows how to realize her dream. This gentle girl-power fable veers a bit too far into fantasy but is grounded by the fetching illustrations' cultural details.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Reynolds discusses environmental changes that have affected the traditional way of life of the Maasai people of Kenya; for example, nomadic herding is giving way to farming as grazing lands shrink and water shortages increase. Vivid photographs appear on every page, elucidating the text's descriptions of the Maasai's adaptation to their shifting world. The handsome volume is useful for its cultural and environmental information. Glos.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 World Cultures series. These books describe the culture and lifestyle of two desert communities, the Tuareg in the Sahara and the Maasai in the African savannah. The deserts' environmental effects on livelihood is followed by information about food, clothing, arts and folklore, celebrations, and a simple craft or quiz activity. The large-font text can be simplistic, but the many photographs are compelling. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these World Cultures titles: Living in the African Savannah and Living in the Sahara.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) 4-6 Young Heroes series. This series highlights teenagers (now young adults) who have made a difference, either by starting their own charitable organizations (Shuyler and Dalio) or by supporting a cause (Hill and Kachepa). The books explore such topics as childhood influences and steps toward activism. The writing is choppy, but readers may be inspired by the stories. Photographs break up the dense pages. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Young Heroes titles: Ashley Shuyler, Julia Butterfly Hill, Given Kachepa, and Matt Dalio.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee. A Maasai father answers his son's persistent questions about the depth of the father's love for his son. The companion to Mama, Do You Love Me? is as sweet and reassuring as the earlier book. Joosse weaves information about Maasai culture throughout and Lavallee's handsome illustrations in rich reds, browns, and golds match the warmth of the text.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 Namelok, a twelve-year-old Maasai girl, hopes to go to school and postpone the female circumcision and arranged marriage that are part of her tribal culture. She and her family struggle with the changes and pressures facing the Maasai in contemporary Kenya. Kessler's readable story does not shy away from complex topics.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth