BOOKS
Book 1: Nine Degrees North: the ABCs of North Ghana
This beautiful, hard covered 48 page book is a 'must own' for those interested in cultures of the world. Our plan was to sell it in North America but also to distribute it free to schools in North Ghana. Because we anticipated many years of use by many hands, we used the best quality paper and binding the industry has to offer. Hundreds of copies now line school bookshelves in North Ghana. Thank you to Friesen's of Altona, Manitoba, for their expertise in production.
Since publication, it has received rave reviews. The University of Saskatchewan is using Nine Degrees North: The ABCs of North Ghana in their children's literature course. The Deakin Review of Children's Literature, University of Alberta, gave the book four out of four stars. Please read the review here.
We were fortunate enough to have Mike Boldt of Boldtman Studios, Spruce Grove, Alberta, as artistic director. Mike is a professional children's book illustrator who asked thirty well known professional children's book illustrators from around the world to donate their work. Each letter is beautifully illustrated in full color on a subject matter relevant to the children of Ghana and those interested in Africa in general: A is for Africa, B is for Bolga Baskets, C is for Cloth, D is for Drums and Dancing, E is for Elephants and Elders, etc.
Children, parents and teachers around the world will find this book beautiful yet informative. There is an appendix at the back that gives additional information on each picture/concept. The books is outstanding value for $20.
This colourful ABC book introduces readers to interesting aspects of Ghanian culture. The artwork is extraordinary, thanks to the 29 professional children's illustrators and artists who donated their work. Special thanks go to Mike Boldt of Boldtman Studios for his artistic direction on this book.
Book 2: Nine Degrees North: Full of Promise
Our second book is unique because it is written by the scholarship girls themselves. It gives the girls a voice in the world and helps others understand the day to day life of an average family in North Ghana. Some of the girls tell about their families. Others tell 'abrunis' what we need to know to live in their society: how to build a mud hut, how to organize a funeral or a baby naming ceremony, the prices you can expect to pay at the local market, how to count to ten in Gonja, how to catch a fish or make homemade beer, etc. The reader will hear the girls themselves speak through their authentic and sometimes humorous descriptions of every day life.
Like our first book, this book is 48 pages of full color with a hard cover and superior binding. It is a book most appropriate for junior/senior high students, adult audiences and inquiring minds of all ages.
9 DEGREES NORTH: Full of Promise, our second book, is now available for purchase. This is a truly exceptional book because it is written by the girls of North Ghana. They tell of their lives and their families, giving us insight into the struggles of daily living and their culture.