Hands of the Rain Forest: The Emberá People of Panama
Just as she did in Hands of the Maya: Villagers at Work and Play (2002), Crandell effectively introduces a people contemporary American kids may not (yet) know well. This photo-essay about indigenous people living in neighboring Panama provides a fascinating window into an ancient culture. An introduction and colorful map offer historical and geographical information; the main content focuses on the Emberá’s day-to-day lives. Readers will note how different the Emberá children’s lives are from theirs—in school, not everyone wears a shirt, for example—but commonalities will also resonate: Emberá children love their pets and help take care of their siblings, just like any other kids. Grades 1-3. --Diane Foote