Sidikiba's Kora Lesson
by: Ryan Thomas Skinner, author and illustrator
Published by: Beaver's Pond Press
Buy From Amazon.com
Reviewed by Elizabeth Bright
The kora is a twenty-one stringed harp played by the people in West Africa. Sidikiba lives outside of Bamako and is ten years old. He comes from a long line of kora players, seventy generations of players, in fact.
One day when Sidikiba’s father (a kora player) returned home, he brought a kora for his son. It was time for Sidikiba to learn how to play the instrument. But to learn, he first must be patient, practice and defer to the wisdom and knowledge of his elders.
Sidikiba’s Kora Lesson is a look at the lives and heritage of the people of West Africa. The story is detailed and the author provides definitions for words that are unfamiliar in the American culture. The illustrations are bright and detailed and add a great deal to the story.
The book is expensive, priced at twenty-five dollars. But it does include a CD of Sidiki playing the kora. It is his first solo recording.
Sidikiba’s Kora Lesson is rich with the flavor of the West Africa culture. The text is long and detailed, which makes the book more interesting for children of about eight and older.
Armchair Interviews says: Schools will especially enjoy and benefit from this entertaining and informative book and CD.
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