African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History, written by Tracey Baptiste and illustrated by Hillary D. Wilson. Groundwood, 2022. $24.99 ages 9 and up

"Mansa Musa (emperor of Mali from 1312 CE-)
ruled over forty million people, yet there was peace
during his twenty-five-year reign, likely because Musa
was smart about how to use the royal coffers. He donated
money to people and built schools and mosques. Because
Musa levied taxes against merchants as they came and
went, the Malian people themselves did not have to pay
taxes. It was a smart move that ensured peace inside
the country."

Whenever I read books similar to this one, I am amazed at what I learn. Tracy Baptiste here shares stories of ten historical figures from Africa. They are short biographies and her book also offers historical notes on the continent itself, making it all the more intriguing and informative. 

I am one of those people who know little about African history ... at least, I was before I settled to read this fine book. There is much inspiration to be found in the stories she tells. Ten names; three I recognized, and I did not know the full extent of their stories. In her introduction, Tracy Baptiste talks about Africa before the transport of African people to enslavement in the wider world. She wants her readers to know what was happening before the Middle Passage. 

She mentions the misconceptions about the size of the continent itself ... one-fifth of the total land area of Earth. The only continent bigger is Asia. A graphic map created by Kai Krause shows the actual size of Africa by placing other countries of the world within its vast borders. She also notes that its history is the longest, dating back more than two million years. Her book is the story of both a continent and its people. Her research was completed with much help, and was often discouraging. She is happy to report that African scholars are now telling their own stories - it is an exciting time. 

The design for the rest of the book is to present sections of historical information followed by the introduction of the African figures whose stories she wants to share with readers. Hillary Wilson creates compelling images of the included leaders whose dignity, strength, and confidence demand attention. The settings, maps and backgrounds offer important context. 

Ms. Baptiste does a remarkable job of telling their stories in accessible and memorable text. The sections are never too long, while filled with fascinating material that obviously has been carefully researched. It really is eye-opening and enjoyable learning.  What an important addition this will prove to be for Black History Month reading. Kids need to hear these stories of African history and the role models who made a huge impact there. 

Back matter presents an author’s note, extensive source notes, a select bibliography, and an index.