Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Joshua's Masai Mask by Dakari Hru

 
 
This multicultural tale concerns Joshua, who has been coaxed by his family into playing an authentic African instrument--the kalimba--in his school's talent show . At the first rehearsal, however, he is so daunted by the confidence and popularity of two musical classmates that he goes home in shame. Joshua's uncle (who gave him the kalimba in the first place) now presents him with a Masai mask, which Joshua discovers gives him the ability to become whomever he chooses. He becomes first the young rapper he envied, then a celebrity rapper, then the Mayor--until he realizes he would really just like to be himself. Thanks to Hru's spirited, conversational style, this ``grass is greener'' fantasy evinces a light touch and genuine warmth--a story centering on real children with real feelings.  Stop by the library to check out this book.

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