The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay facts for kids
First edition
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| Authors | Patricia McKissack, Fredrick McKissack |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Children's literature, Picture book, Poetry |
| Published | 1993 (Holt) |
| Media type | Print (hardback, paperback) |
| Pages | 142 |
| ISBN | 9780805016703 |
| OCLC | 320539561 |
The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa is an exciting book written by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack. Published in 1993, this book takes young readers on a journey through the rich history of West Africa. It explores the powerful kingdoms that thrived there between 700 AD and 1700 AD.
Contents
Discovering Ancient African Kingdoms
This book is a history adventure, focusing on three amazing empires: Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. These kingdoms were not just powerful; they were centers of trade, learning, and culture. They played a huge role in shaping the history of Africa.
The Kingdom of Ghana
The first great empire covered in the book is the Kingdom of Ghana. It was famous for its gold and salt trade. Ghana became very wealthy by controlling the trade routes across the Sahara Desert. Merchants would exchange gold for salt, which was a very important resource.
The Mali Empire
Next, the book explores the Mali Empire, which grew even larger and more powerful than Ghana. Mali was known for its incredible wealth, especially under rulers like Mansa Musa. He was one of the richest people in history! The city of Timbuktu, a major center for learning and trade, flourished during Mali's time.
The Songhay Empire
Finally, the book introduces the Songhay Empire. This empire rose to power after Mali. Songhay continued the traditions of trade and learning. It expanded its territory even further, becoming one of the largest empires in African history. The book shows how these empires built on each other's successes.
Why These Kingdoms Mattered
Learning about Ghana, Mali, and Songhay is important. These kingdoms show that Africa had complex and powerful civilizations long before European exploration. They had advanced systems of government, strong economies, and rich cultural traditions. The book helps kids understand the incredible history of this part of the world. It highlights the achievements and daily life of people in medieval Africa.
Awards and Recognition
The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay has received several awards. These awards show that the book is highly respected and a great resource for young readers.
- In 1994, it received an Honor from the Africana Older Children Book Award.
- It was also chosen as a CCBC Choice in 1994.
- In 1997, it was recognized as a Kaleidoscope book by the NCTE.
