As with most cultures during the 1300s, children age 11 or 12 took on cares of the adult world. They were apprenticed, girls were given in marriage, and their childhood was ended. Sadly, this is something that remains unchanged in some cultures even today.
The girl in the book is instructed in what life would be like for her if she had lived in the Ancient Empire of Mali in Africa. Illustrated in the same hues as the landscape of the region, the pictures take on a rosy, sandstone coloration indicative of the area and touched with the vivid colors that the people of Mali like to incorporate into their clothes.
This book is instructive and interesting in that so little is know of this region and period of history in the annuls of Western Civilization. I think it quite enlightening and educational to read and would encourage the use of this small book as a starting point for further research. The end pages of the book, as with other "If You Were Me and Lived in...." books, include important personages and a wonderful glossary.
I encourage the incorporation of this volume into library collections for children and I highly encourage families of African-American heritage to get a copy for their own children's libraries.
About the book: Join Carole P. Roman as she travels back in time to visit the exciting Ancient Empire of Mali in Africa during the 1300s. Learn about the varied customs and cultures. Travel to the past to discover what you would eat and do for fun. See the land and its rich history through the eyes of a youngster like you. Don't forget to look at the other books in the series so that you can be an armchair time traveler.
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate this review of my own opinions. I was not compensated. Winner's copy is provided directly to the winner by the author.
The hardest thing for me to accept about living n Ancient MALI would be that young girls had a very short childhood and were forced to get married young.
ReplyDeletetwinkle at optonline dot net
I think it is the short childhood. Life is different now but still, they are so young and there is so much to do.
ReplyDeleteI think we'd be challenged by the lack of modern conveniences like cars and microwaves. It might be a good experience though if only for a short time.
ReplyDeleteThe thought that girls had no choice in their future and no modern conveniences.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
Hmm...there is no just one answer to this. Beside not being able to fully enjoy your childhood and have to marry so young, it would be probably hard to accept that my voice would not be heard, and my opinion would not matter at all.
ReplyDeleteAgreed with you all about girls having to marry young and having no choice. Sadly, this is still the stituation of some parts of the world. And sadly we could so easily be back in a world culture where conveniences were nil and the rights of girls and women nonexistent. We should all value, appreciate, treasure, and protect the wonderful life that is now available to us and hope that all will soon be enveloped in the arms of freedom.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be hardest to deal with lack of modern plumbing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others, the short childhood would be very hard. They are not adults and could not be expected to be responsible and act accordingly. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com
ReplyDeleteI have actually visited Mali, and I think the hardest thing about living there for our family, whether in ancient times or the present, would be the way girls are treated. I remember being in several situations where our group was afraid for my and my younger sister's safety.
ReplyDeleteI love Carole Roman's books! They are so great for our homeschool!
Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week! Always a pleasure to have you!
Tina
That girls were given for marriage at a young age. We have two daughters and that would be awful.
ReplyDelete