The Maasai who live in Kenya and Tanzania are about as typical of Africa as the Amish are of America. A word of caution-be careful when seeking tourist information from embassies. Because these materials cater to tourists, they emphasize the exotic, the unusual, and the wildlife. They do not accurately reflect the countries they represent. If a book has a child at the center of the story, so much the better, as such a story will help our children connect to a culture and country far away.
Folktales can teach children a culture's values and are worth including in any selection.
However, we need to be cautious not to overdo folktales, as many young children find it difficult to separate reality from folktale, especially in cultures they are unfamiliar with. Wildlife has a legitimate place in stories on Africa. But if our purpose is to convey a sense of Africa today, then wildlife should occupy only a small place in a classroom. Yet, most Africans have never seen any big game. It is to encourage you and your students to read in depth to appreciate the diversirv and complexity of South Africa and other African countries.