About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is seeking a thrill but also needs to explore the mechanics of courage and justice through a cultural lens. This collection of African folktales is designed for older children and teens who are ready for high-stakes tension and spooky atmospheres, yet might benefit from shorter, high-impact stories that build reading confidence. Unlike traditional fairy tales, these stories lean into the physiological and psychological 'taste' of fear, helping readers process anxiety in a safe, controlled environment. The book blends traditional oral storytelling with interactive activities, making it an excellent choice for a child who prefers active engagement over passive reading. It explores deep-seated themes of resilience, fairness, and the consequences of one's actions. Given its publication era and Scholastic roots, it serves as a nostalgic but potent tool for discussing how different cultures use folklore to teach survival skills and moral integrity. It is best suited for middle and high schoolers who enjoy supernatural elements and fast-paced mysteries.
