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Joshua's Masai Mask

By Dakari Hru
Illustrated by Anna Rich

Paperback: $11.95

Ebook

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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.
 

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About the Creators

Thumb_thumb Dakari Hru - Author

(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.

Thumb_thumb 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.

About This Title

ISBN

Paperback: 9781880000328

Awards

Choices
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Pick of the List
American Bookseller's Association

Guided Reading:

O

Lexile:

580L

Interest Level:

Grades 1 - 4

Reading Level:

Grades 3 - 3

Themes

Identity/Self Esteem/Confidence, Mentors, Games/Toys, Friendship, Families, Dance, Cultural Diversity, Childhood Experiences and Memories, African/African American Interest, Pride, Empathy/Compassion

Part of These Collections

African American English Collection Grades 3-6, English Fiction Grades 3-6, Fluent Dual Language , Fluent English, English Fiction Grades PreK-2, Diverse Background English Collection Grades PreK-2, English Guided Reading Level O, Trauma-Informed Collection