It is galling that so many people who have made incredible contributions go overlooked. Our Story Media Group is working on changing that. Debuting last June, the Our Story book series “introduces young readers to influential historical figures, many of whom are overlooked in Western curriculums”. The publisher also includes a partnership with the educational nonprofit CAMFED, which supports empowering and education young women. The first two bios are available. Let’s take a look.
Mansa Musa: The Richest Man in History, by Our Story Media/Illustrated by Emanuel Colban, (June 2023, Our Story Media), $11.49, ISBN: 979-8399082608
Ages 8-10
The richest person in the history was Mansa Musa, an Emperor of Mali between 1312 and 1337. The book covers his Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah and the riches he brought with him, and the people he met along the way. Upon returning to Mali, Musa commissioned the construction of mosques and educational institutions – schools and libraries – to educate and improve the lives of his people. Colorful and textured illustrations and vibrant, bright pages with text hold a reader’s interest. Bolded words in the text are defined in a glossary of terms at the end, and a pronunciation guide helps readers sound words out. There are thought-provoking questions for discussion and an easy-to-make African Fabric Collage craft in the back matter. An interesting look at an historical figure in African history and worth an additional purchase for biography collections.
Fatima Al-Fihri: Founder of the World’s Oldest University, by Our Story Media/Illustrated by Emanuel Colban, (June 2023, Our Story Media), $11.99, ISBN: 979-8387041402
Ages 8-10
Born around 800 CE in Tunisia, Fatima Al-Fihri was the daughter of a wealthy merchant who imbued his daughters with a strong sense of community. Al-Fihri and her family migrated to the city of Fes; a thriving community, but a community that needed a larger mosque. Many refugees fled to Fes to escape conflict in their home lands, and Al-Fihri and her sister, with the riches inherited from their father, built mosques in several cities and ultimately founded The University of Al-Qarawiyyin. She assured that education would be without cost and attracted scholars from all faiths and backgrounds, including the Jewish philosopher and physician Maimonides and the Muslim historian Ibn Khaldun. The artwork here is lovely; similar to Mansa Musa, the illustrations appear to be mixed media. Back matter here also includes thought-provoking questions and an exercise; a glossary and pronounciation guide, and a Moroccan lantern craft. Well worth a look and purchase for biography collections.
Mom Read It 