Koi and the Kola Nuts

BOOK ENTRY FORMAT FOR GENRE PROJECT


Information for students
Author: Verna Aardema Title: Koi and the Kola Nuts
Book Genre: Multicultural Publishing Info: Simon & Schuster, 30 pp.

Summary: Koi, the youngest son of a village chief in Liberia, is heir only of a small kola tree. Instead of moping over his lack of possessions, he decided to travel over the world, taking the kola nuts from his tree with him. On his way, he meets a snake, an army of ants, and a crocodile. They all have a common need; they need kola nuts, which is just what Koi has. Koi is happy to share the nuts and the animals are grateful to him, and they vow to repay him someday. The next village he reaches is home to the beautiful daughter of Chief Fulikolli. Many suitors have tried to win her, but none have been able to complete the extreme challenges set forth by the chief. However, Koi has an advantage because the animals that he previously helped are now ready to help him!




Personal rating: (**** Great!, *** Good, ** Ok, * A disappointment) ****

Rationale: Very well-written; well-developed characters; a wonderful story.

Information for teachers
Reading level: 3.5 Interest level: K-2

Thematic Areas: Family; Self-Motivation; Hopes and Dreams; Achievements; Love

Content Areas: African Language and Culture; Geography; History

Potential Problems or Difficulties: For example, print size, length, sophisticated vocabulary, harsh view of life, slow moving, swearing, explicit sexual overtones, gory
Some African names and phrases may be difficult to read, however, there is a glossary in the front of the book for most of these; listing the pronunciation and the definition.
Possible use in classroom: Use at the beginning of a multi-cultural unit on African culture; study the area on a global map where the story is set; use the glossary page on a transparency and create a class activity of learning the terms together.