Shaka: King of the Zulus

by Diane Stanley, Peter Vennema

A biography of the nineteenth-century military genius and Zulu chief.

Genres: Africa, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, South Africa, Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Diane Stanley is an American children's author and illustrator, a former medical illustrator, and a former art director for the publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons. Born in 1943 in Abilene, Texas, she was educated at Trinity University (in San Antonio, TX) and at Johns Hopkins University. She is perhaps best known for her many picture-book biographies, some of which were co-authored by her husband, Peter Vennema. (source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[RaspberryRoses]

read this for my civ 6 history challenge - although i haven't actually finished my domination game with shaka yet LOL.

i think this is one of the best approaches i've seen in childrens lit regarding historical figures and violence - it acknowledges that many of his actions were cruel, discusses how ruling through fear was normal and accepted within his historical era, and it affirms both that his accomplishments were important in his day and that they shouldn't be emulated in modern times. i feel like a lot of kids lit will just gloss over the less savory parts of history instead.

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my 12-year-old to complement our early modern Africa history lesson.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I liked this book more than my 7 year old. He has developed an interest in Shaka because of an episode of Deadliest Warriors he happened to watch which pitched William Wallace against Shaka Zulu. I never know what his next obsession will be. I thought this book with its nice colorful pictures would interest him but he is not interested enough to enjoy it. He can read it himself but gets tired of the weird African words and pronunciations, which, for a reluctant reader, can kill his interest in reading the book in about 10 seconds flat. It's too bad, because this book is the easiest to read that I've found on Shaka Zulu. We'll have to try it again in a year or so.

[Darlena Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been intrigued by the movie about Shaka Zulu years ago, I found this book equally intriguing in text and illustrations. I highly recommend it. It is a book I will read more than once or twice.

[Stephania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It gave very good details about his life and why he was so popular in his time. It taught me so much about early Africa. I guess that is how my love for Africa started showing. It's recommended for those who don't know him yet.

[Twiihaleni Nekundi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best king

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

He had many good ideas and was a natural leader. I'm happy for the statue.

[Hannah of the Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A basic introduction to this historic figure, told in simple language but not oversimplified. Detailed illustrations that bring the story to life.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very good for it's age level. It's a very good account of the life of Shaka Zulu that I believe serves as a good introduction into the significant events of Shaka's life story without being to inappropriate for younger readers. However, it should be noted that this is the story of a person who gained his title through war so any parents that desire a less violent role model for their children should look somewhere else (see comments below for context).
The greatest strengths of the piece is both its historical accuracy and the beautiful detailed illustrations by the author that genuinely enhance the text through good illustrations of the facial expressions and the detail on the traditional Zulu garments is also appreciated, and they keep the blood and gore to a minimum primarily concentrating on the way Shaka ruled and the strategies he deployed rather than actually detailing the violence.
The only complaint I really have is that some facts about Shaka Zulu are not for overly sensitive readers, and he does get murdered at the end of the book in a power struggle so that could cause some tension, and they also changed around the details of his banishment from the clan to make it more suitable for young readers.
Otherwise I would recommend it for late fourth and early fifth grade because of it's vocabulary and complex subject matter.

[Dailey Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a violent subject, and while it is so refreshing to read a beautifully illustrated book with black heros, I kept feeling puzzled and conflicted about this man being presented as a hero to my children, when he was so violent... The book deftly tries to give empathy with his history (personal reason behind his drive for power), yet I'm not going to read it again to the kids because I'm not sure about the message it gives them about power and achievement. (And being murdered at the end?) Anyway, the paintings are gorgeous.

[Dailey Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a violent subject, and while it is so refreshing to read a beautifully illustrated book with black heros, I kept feeling puzzled and conflicted about this man being presented as a hero to my children, when he was so violent... The book deftly tries to give empathy with his history (personal reason behind his drive for power), yet I'm not going to read it again to the kids because I'm not sure about the message it gives them about power and achievement. (And being murdered at the end?) Anyway, the paintings are gorgeous.

[James]

i thought he was the best known king i have heard about. He was brave and very honest and loyal. His army killed him because they thought he was to hard on them. Why was his dad so mad when he accedently let one of his sheep get attacked by a wild dog and send him and his mom to another village? Why did the people at the other village make fun of him?

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

1)This book fits into the graphic novel.

2)I decided to read it because it stood out to me and it was a story about war and stuff.

3)I liked the story because it was very entertaining and it was about war.

4)I didn't like that it was very short.

5)I recommend this book to people who like war stories.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part of the book is when Shaka Zulu makes everyone jump around barefooted on a field full of thorns and spikes. Anyone who screamed out, cried, or stopped hopping was killed on the spot. Tight!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting factoid from this book. When Shaka was growing up in an unfriendly tribe, there was a time without rain. "They called the drought Madlatule, which means 'eat what you can and say nothing.'"

[Allison]

2024: Tommie read this aloud after dinner for a few nights.

[Astra]

Shaka was a clan leader who made his clan into a nation.

[Heid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Military, Humble and Leadership