Africa

=Africa= "Empires in Africa (Ghana, Maili and Songhay) and Asia (Byzantitne, Ottoman, Mughal and China) grew as commercial and cultural centers along trade routes"(Content Statement - First Global Age) "The advent of the trans-Saharan slave trade had profound effects on both West and Central Africa and the receiving societies." (Content Statement - First Global Age)

Information Books
Chu, Daniel. **//A Glorious Age in Africa: The Story of Three Great African Empires//**. African World Press. 1990. This book reveals the history and heritage of Africa. Here is a fascinating account of the Africans from the 8th to the16th century, highlighted by the successive rise of three Sudanese empires that at their height were the equal of any contemporary civilization in Europe or Asia. Ages 9 and up. (Brooke)

Conrad, David C. **//Empires of Medieval West Africa: Ghana, Mali, and Songhay.//** Chelsea House Publishing. 2009. Informational book describing the history of the African empires. Young Adult reading level. (Brooke)

McKissak, Patricia, & Frederick. **//The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa//**. Henry Holt and Co. 1995. The McKissacks describe the West African civilizations that flourished between the years 700 C.E. to 1700 C.E. A chronological account is given of each successive kingdom, and there is also substantial information about the social history of Mali and Songhay, e.g., education, the treatment of women, religion, and arts and crafts. The relationship between Islam and politics, and the interplay between traditional and Islamic customs in Mali and Songhay are highlighted. Reading level: grades 5-7. (Brooke)