Joshua's Masai Mask

by Dakari Hru (Illustrator)

Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Pick of the List, American Bookseller's Association A magical Masai mask takes an African American boy on a series of adventures, and he discovers the joy of being himself. Joshua loves playing his kalimba, a traditional African musical instrument. But when his family suggests he join the school talent show, he thinks it's a terrible idea - all his classmates like rap. Wishing to be popular, Joshua turns to his Uncle Zambezi, who gives him a magical Masai mask. Little does he know, the mask will grant Joshua his wish, and more.. Anna Rich's illustrations give the humorous characters spunk and charm, while Dakari Hru creates a fun, positive tale in which a young boy learns what it's like to be in someone else's shoes.

Genres: Picture Books, Africa, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1993

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super fun book to read. My preschoolers loved it! It describes social anxiety and wishing you could be someone else. Throughout the book, the main character realizes that there is no one else he would rather be than himself and I think that is a super important message to impress on young kids.

[Breauna Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells the story of a little boy named Joshua who is insecure about performing in the school talent show because he is playing the kalimba. His other classmates are rapping or dancing, so he feels that they will pick on him for his performance of the African instrument. His uncle gives him a masai mask that he says has magical powers. Through the magic, Joshua goes into bodies of other students, which helps him see that it is best to be yourself.This book fits perfectly into my set because it introduces African cultural materials that even I didn't know anything about. The book fits into the fiction genre. It is developmentally appropriate and would be good for a text talk because of its great story line. The book is a quality children's books because it has many great factors including being interesting, including a problem and solution, and it has a rich plot.

[Sara Bland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book full of hope, inspiration, finding yourself, and culture. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this cultural African instrument and the different types of clothing that is traditionally worn by the people who invented and play these instruments. This book also has a strong theme of finding yourself and never giving up. Young Joshua is very nervous to perform with his traditional instrument, so he wishes that he could be the cool kid in school. He soon finds out that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. In the end, Joshua wishes to be himself again and makes his parents very proud. This is a great book for diversity and self worth. I would recommend this for students in grades 2-4.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, well-written book with a very positive message. The vividly colored illustrations support the text beautifully. I also enjoyed the author notes at the back.