African Journey

The journey, depicted in succinct chapters and photographs of startling beauty and clarity, ranges from the regions of nomadic tribes to agricultural communities, to prosperous fishing areas and, in a touching final note, to the drought lands (Ethiopia). Africa is a place most young readers think of in broad, vague terms, but which Chiasson deals with in eloquent specifics. He shows both the ruggedness and subtleties of the terrain, and that livelihoodsin both city and countryare directly affected by the amount of rainfall. Chiasson creates a stark, compelling picture of this continent and discusses the hopes of its people: better education for their children and subsequently improved lives. The images themselves are involving and immediate; this is a photoessay deserving of high honors. Ages 8-up. (October)