BOOK LIST (to print) -- AFRICA
PODCASTS:
Of course, Africa is not a nation. It's a continent. It is impossible to find a single story of her. And much of her story is shrouded in mystery. While there is evidence of highly advanced civilizations and splendid kingdoms in her interior, they left behind no art or literature through which we can learn about them. Maybe someone, long ago, had the foresight to hide such a record away and one day we'll learn more. But for now, we have to rely on the eyes and impressions of the explorers and discoverers of the 19th century who braved the dangerous wilds and brought back their encounters with the natives of their day. Even among the most superstitious were found moral tales and a child-like faith that was carried to America and woven into the fabric of our nation.
There are many today who say that Africa's moment to shine in the world's history is coming. It is good for our children to begin to piece together their history, traditions and beliefs. And in the process, they will come face to face with true greatness and courage; a people who 'God has not forgotten'.
Our Little African Cousin
The Boys' Book of Explorations by Tudor Jenks will introduce you to several of the explorers who braved Africa's interior, including David Livingstone.
A good introductory story of David Livingstone.
The Story of David Livingstone: The Story of One Who Followed Christ by Louise Seymour Houghton
Our Empire Story: South Africa by H. E. Marshall will give your Middle Schoolers and older an understanding of South Africa's beginnings and why it has been a hotbed of conflicts.
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton is held up as the most well known and most important work about South Africa, written in 1948. "Cry, the Beloved Country is the deeply moving story of the Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son, Absalom, set against the background of a land and a people riven by racial injustice. Remarkable for its lyricism, unforgettable for character and incident, Cry, the Beloved Country is a classic work of love and hope, courage and endurance, born of the dignity of man." Suitable for your high schoolers.
A Walk to Beautiful is a moving documentary I would recommend for you to watch with your teenage girls. It's hard to fathom that there are women who are living in the conditions these women live, but this leaves you with a sense of hope that there is much goodness in the world and a desire to reach out and help those who are suffering. The story is set in Ethiopia.
God Grew Tired of Us A heartwarming true story of the lost boys of Sudan. I loved this documentary. It's been awhile since I watched it, but I believe it would be suitable for most of your family. You may want to preview it first.
The Good Lie is not a documentary, but this story is also woven around the plight of the lost boys of Sudan. Because of the heart-wrenching nature of the story and some scenes that aren't appropriate for young children, I recommend it for children over the age of 12. But you know your family best. The movie's message of personal sacrifice and love makes it worth watching.
First taste of chocolate in Ivory Coast This is a short youtube suitable for your whole family. It may be hard for your children to comprehend that there are people out there harvesting the cocoa beans for their chocolate who have never tasted chocolate before!
There are many today who say that Africa's moment to shine in the world's history is coming. It is good for our children to begin to piece together their history, traditions and beliefs. And in the process, they will come face to face with true greatness and courage; a people who 'God has not forgotten'.
Our Little African Cousin
The Boys' Book of Explorations by Tudor Jenks will introduce you to several of the explorers who braved Africa's interior, including David Livingstone.
A good introductory story of David Livingstone.
The Story of David Livingstone: The Story of One Who Followed Christ by Louise Seymour Houghton
Our Empire Story: South Africa by H. E. Marshall will give your Middle Schoolers and older an understanding of South Africa's beginnings and why it has been a hotbed of conflicts.
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton is held up as the most well known and most important work about South Africa, written in 1948. "Cry, the Beloved Country is the deeply moving story of the Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son, Absalom, set against the background of a land and a people riven by racial injustice. Remarkable for its lyricism, unforgettable for character and incident, Cry, the Beloved Country is a classic work of love and hope, courage and endurance, born of the dignity of man." Suitable for your high schoolers.
A Walk to Beautiful is a moving documentary I would recommend for you to watch with your teenage girls. It's hard to fathom that there are women who are living in the conditions these women live, but this leaves you with a sense of hope that there is much goodness in the world and a desire to reach out and help those who are suffering. The story is set in Ethiopia.
God Grew Tired of Us A heartwarming true story of the lost boys of Sudan. I loved this documentary. It's been awhile since I watched it, but I believe it would be suitable for most of your family. You may want to preview it first.
The Good Lie is not a documentary, but this story is also woven around the plight of the lost boys of Sudan. Because of the heart-wrenching nature of the story and some scenes that aren't appropriate for young children, I recommend it for children over the age of 12. But you know your family best. The movie's message of personal sacrifice and love makes it worth watching.
First taste of chocolate in Ivory Coast This is a short youtube suitable for your whole family. It may be hard for your children to comprehend that there are people out there harvesting the cocoa beans for their chocolate who have never tasted chocolate before!
Stanley meets David Livingstone Wikimedia Commons