Grand Theft Safari (8 page)

Landmarks

Karen Blixen Museum

Nairobi National Park

Malindi Marine National Park

Mount Kenya

Now and Then

Kenya was once a colony of Great Britain. European settlers took control of the government. Africans could not vote or hold any power under British rule. By 1963, Kenya achieved freedom. Today, Kenya has a modern government. It is a republic with a parliamentary democracy.

Maasai women today

Discussion Questions

1. Explain what Tomas and Marisol learned at the Karen Blixen Museum. What is a colony? Why wasn't the colonial system fair to Africans?

2. Explain what poachers are. Why does the park ranger want to stop poachers?

3. What did Marisol and Tomas learn about the Maasai culture? How is it similar or different from their American culture?

4. Bravery is a highly valued trait in the Maasai culture. Did anyone in the story exhibit bravery? Why or why not?

5. List the animals that the Perez family encountered in Africa. How would you act if you came face to face with these animals?

6. Think about the many ways the Perez family traveled across Kenya. Which way would you prefer to travel? Why?

7. Kenya was full of surprises for the Perez family. What do you think the biggest surprise was? Explain your answer.

Vocabulary

Did you spot these words in the book? Think about what each word means. If you're not sure about one, look it up in a dictionary. Write a short story using at least five of these words.

alkaline

colony

endangered

equator

kraal

plantation

poachers

safari

stampede

vaccinations

Websites to Visit

www.timeforkids.com/destination/kenya

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/content/kids/
en_US/explore/countries/kenya/

www.our-africa.org/kenya

About the Author

Precious McKenzie lives in Montana and teaches writing to college students. She loves to help her college students become stronger writers. When she is not helping her students, Precious enjoys using her imagination to tell funny stories in books for children.

About the Illustrator

Becka Moore studied illustration for children's publishing in the North of Wales at Glyndwr University. She has since moved back home to Manchester where she works under the strict supervision of two very mischievous cats, doodling away and drinking far too much coffee.