Shaka Rising

January 1, 2018

Gr 6-8-This graphic novel telling of the early life of Zulu king Shaka presents an accessible introduction to a major figure in African history. After fleeing his brother's murderous schemes and living in exile, Shaka returns to claim his title as king. He must then conquer the king of the Ndwandwe, who is annexing southern kingdoms of Africa and selling their citizens into slavery. The story moves briskly, and the language is vivid and dramatic. The illustrations, drawn with bold lines in a fiery palette of oranges and reds, are a little stiff but come to life in battle scenes where lines are blurred to depict action. The authors present Shaka as a brilliant military strategist who used his talents to protect his people from slavery. He is more a character to admire than to relate to: at one point, he orders his sister to marry for the sake of a new alliance. Female characters aren't given much to do: Shaka's sister grows into a "beautiful woman" while he becomes a "powerful general." There is no bibliography or resource list, but the inspired storytelling should appeal to readers. VERDICT Though the illustrations and character development are somewhat lacking, the book is worth adding to collections given that there are few recent biographies of Shaka for young audiences and none in graphic novel format.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
Grades 7-10 Possessed of an unyielding will that, like an African spear, would cut all those close to him, friend and foe alike, young warrior Shaka proves a threat to royal succession and must leave his Zulu tribe. Wandering, he accrues a band of soldiers and a reputation for skill and ferocity, and he finds his way into the service of another king. This eventually brings him rulership of the Zulus and into wider, more enduring conflict. Cast with beautiful, powerful physical figures, the influential monarch's origin story is recounted here, and the natural drama is heightened by cutting into the larger illustrations with panels of dramatic details?dancing feet, a plunging spear, a deadly glare. The dialogue unfortunately dampens this effect; the unusually tiny words crammed into crowded expository exchanges force their way through the pages, interrupt the flow, and slow the pace. Nevertheless, the intrigue of the story and the intensity of the character are well fleshed-out. This is a tale comics has heretofore not done justice to, and it's handsomely presented here.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)