Facing the Lion: Growing up Maasai on the African Savana by Joseph Lemasolai Lukuton

Joseph starts life in a nomadic Maasai tribe. His tribe keeps cows, and moves from place to place to find adequate food and water for their herds. When the government requires each family to send one child to school, Joseph, who was sometimes teased because he is chubby, volunteers to go.  School introduces Joseph to the outside world, and as he advances as a student, his view of the world grows.  Despite his broadening horizons he clings to his Maasai culture and family.

This is a fascinating autobiography.  The language is simple and direct, but the reader can feel Joseph's pride in his culture, and longing to be a brave as the great warriors of his people.  So often people in modern cultures feel that they are superior to tribal groups, but Joseph's story shows that the people in his tribe, despite the challenges of finding basic subsistence, live happy lives full of meaning and purpose.  This is a great book to give to a children who like, (or need) to learn about people who live very differently from themselves. (2005, 125p)

note: Amazon lists this book as appropriate for ages 12 and up.  That is probably because of the chapter that describes the circumcision ceremony men in Joseph's tribe undergo as a rite of passage.  I would feel comfortable giving it to a 5th or 6th grade child, as long as their parent was aware of that chapter and could answer questions about that for them.