Joshua’s Masai Mask

By Dakari Hru, Anna Rich
Paperback: $11.95

A magical Masai mask takes an African American boy on a series of adventures, and he discovers the joy of being himself.

Description

Joshua loves playing his kalimba, a traditional African musical instrument. But when his family suggests he join the school talent show, he thinks it’s a terrible idea – all his classmates like rap. Wishing to be popular, Joshua turns to his Uncle Zambezi, who gives him a magical Masai mask. Little does he know, the mask will grant Joshua his wish, and more..

Anna Rich’s illustrations give the humorous characters spunk and charm, while Dakari Hru creates a fun, positive tale in which a young boy learns what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes.

About the Creators

Dakari Hru

Dakari Hru (1952- 1994) was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A writer, poet, and storyteller, he held a B.A. in French and an M.A. in psychology. Mr. Hru's poetry was featured in the award-winning anthology Make a Joyful Sound, published in 1991. Joshua's Masai Mask is his first picture book. He died in 1994 after a brief illness.

Anna Rich

Anna Rich has provided illustrations for national magazines and newspapers. She has wanted to be an illustrator since she was in high school. Ms. Rich attended the Rhode Island School of Design and works for the Graphic Artists Guild. She resides in Elmont, New York.

Awards

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Reviews

  • "A sturdy picture book debut for author and illustrator."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "Rich's acrylic illustrations abound with the vibrant colors of life."

    - Booklist
  • "A story centering on real children with real feelings. . . A satisfying read for children of any color, this book will easily come alive at story hours as well as in the hands of individual readers."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "Hru and Rich weave an accomplished story of sensitivity and self-actualization. Illustrations are rich in color and capture the essence of love, encouragement, anxiety, and self-assurance. . . A picture book to be enjoyed by a wide audience."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Its message is splendidly universal. Gently, without didacticism, it urges us to make the best of our talents, in ways that should engage any American child."

    - The New York Times

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781880000328
  • Price $11.95
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size 10 × 8 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 1072
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Fantasy & Magic
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Cultural Diversity, Dance, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Friendship, Games / Toys, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Mentors, Pride, Realistic Fiction
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 3.5
  • DRA 34
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Level 580
  • Reading Level 3
  • SRC 4.5
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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