Masai and I

“Masai and I” is a realistic fiction picture book for grades kindergarten through 2nd grade. I liked this book because it gave a very interesting perspective of a little girl comparing two very different cultures. Even though the little girl was comparing almost opposite cultures, connecting her own daily events to what she would be doing instead if she grew up in her African culture made the unfamiliar lifestyle much more relatable. Especially for younger readers, I think that using familiar events would help them connect how cultures can be different, but also the same. For example, the little girl compared making her bed to rolling her cow hide spread, though the beds look different, the chore is similar. I also thought the show more illustrations were beautiful, and the use of warmer earth colors made me think of what my surroundings would feel like in the Masai tribe. Also, this book would definitely encourage a reader to maybe explore their roots, and make a child feel proud of their heritage. This is a great story that exposes children to a different culture which emphasized the central message of embracing one’s background. show less

“Masai and I” takes the reader through the life of the narrator and through what the narrators life would be like if she were Masai. The purpose of this book is to show readers that no matter what we are all the same. The author does a wonderful job of proving this because on one page the narrator says, “I kiss her with love and respect, just as I would if I were Masai. The lesson learned in this book could really help to create peace in the different nations because people would realize that they are no different form one another.

This is an informational story about a girl, Linda, who learns about an East African tribe called the Masai in school and is filled with a sense of kinship. As Linda goes through her day, she imagines how her life would be different if she were a Masai.

1. In school one day a little girl learns about the tall east African people called Masai. Linda wonders what her life would be like if she were a member of the Masai tribe. Her imagination opens the door to compare her life at home to a life as a little girl in a Masai village.

2. I enjoyed the illustrations! For example, one illustration showed Linda standing at the door of her apartment looking out into the Masai village. The illustrations brought me into the story.

3. I would use this book to compare the different lifestyles of people in the Lawton community and the people in the Masai tribe. I would also teach the social studies PASS objective standard 1:2 Examine and use children’s literature to compare and contrast his or her own show more community to other United States and global communities. show less

Media: Watercolor
Use: Culture, East Africa
Critique: Linda's knowledge of East Africa allows her to see the world in new eyes. She easily connects her background to a culture many miles away from her. Overall, her knowledge as a character expands and teaches others about those cultures. The information in the story helps connect East Africa and America. The two cultures seem so different because of the way we do things but are very similar.

This book gives a little girls perspective on comparing two different cultures. This book teaches the readers that no matter what we are all the same.
Age:3-5
Source: Pierece College ECE Library

This book gives a little girls perspective on comparing two different cultures. This book teaches the readers that no matter what we are all the same.
Age:3-5
Source: Pierece College ECE Library