Book Detail

Baboon King, The

Publication Information
Author:  Quintana, Anton Illustrator:  
Title:  Baboon King, The Date:  1996
Publisher:  Walker and Co. City:  New York
ISBN, paperback:  0-8027-8711-8 ISBN, hardback:  

Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes ESOL:  
Family:   Young Adult:   Yes
Picture:  

General Information:
Book Type(s):    fiction

HSE Descriptor(s):   

Summary:
Set in Africa, this powerful book explores the themes of the importance of community through the exile of Morengaru from his tribe and survival, not against but with nature, in his life with a group of baboons.

Teaching Ideas:
The theme of belonging to a community is explored in both Morengaru's village and in the group of baboons. Learners may want to develop a matrix with characteristics of communities on one axis and the two groups on the other axis. Morengaru experiences the divided loyalty of belonging to two antigonistc tribes. Learners can apply the author's insights to the experience of people who belong to two races or ethnic groups in the U.S. They could use a Venn diagram to show similarities and differences. Because the setting is so carefully realized, learners can discuss/write about the problem-solving Morengaru accomplishes and how he is so tuned in to his environment. The Internet provides many sites with additional information about Tanzania.

Teaching Strategies:
bullet Venn Diagrams
   http://literacy.kent.edu/eureka/strategies/venn_diagrams.pdf

Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
bullet Social Studies > anthropology > cultures > cultural attitudes
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > group > relationships
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > human strength
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > loneliness
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > life choices > problem solving
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > resourcefulness
bullet Geography > locations > continents/regions > Africa > African village life
bullet Literature and Language > language
bullet Science > nature
bullet Communities > belonging


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