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Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster

Synopsis of "Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster"

"Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster" is a captivating tale that merges the visionary world of Afro-futurism with the historical ingenuity of Granville T. Woods, an African-American inventor and engineer known as the "Black Edison." Set in a futuristic world where technological marvels and African heritage intertwine seamlessly, this story takes readers on a thrilling ride of imagination and discovery.

In the year 3035, Granville T. Woods returns to an advanced and culturally rich Wakanda after his initial marvel at its wonders a decade earlier. This time, he is not just an observer but an active participant in the creation of one of Wakanda's most extraordinary feats—a Figure 8 roller coaster that symbolizes both technological prowess and a homage to African heritage.

As Woods collaborates with the brilliant minds and creative spirits of Wakanda, he brings his deep understanding of electrical engineering and innovation to the forefront. Together, they design and construct a roller coaster that defies gravity and expectations, looping and weaving through the vibrant landscapes of Wakanda. The Figure 8 roller coaster is not just an amusement ride; it represents the endless possibilities that arise from blending history with futuristic dreams.

Amidst this journey, Woods reflects on his own legacy and the importance of preserving and advancing the knowledge of the African diaspora. He shares his story with the younger generation, inspiring them to dream beyond the constraints of the present and to see their cultural roots as a foundation for their future innovations.

The story also highlights the significance of family, community, and shared knowledge. The children of Wakanda, eager and curious, play a vital role in the roller coaster's creation, learning about the principles of engineering, the importance of cultural heritage, and the power of imagination.

"Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster" is more than just a story about a ride; it's an exhilarating exploration of how the past and the future can converge to create a world where innovation and culture go hand in hand. It invites readers to celebrate their heritage, embrace their creativity, and envision a future where their dreams know no bounds.

Through this vibrant narrative, Letta S. Baker Mason brings to life the essence of Afro-futurism and the enduring spirit of Granville T. Woods, offering a tale that inspires readers of all ages to soar to new heights.

Link to order

Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Mason, Letta S. Baker: 9798326393388: Amazon.com: Books 

Formats:  Kindle $2.99, Paperback $19.99, and Hard cover $29.99

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars    5 ratings

#1 New Release in Children's Modern History Books+

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Top reviews from the United States

Afrofuturistic Adventures with Granville T. Woods is a children’s book that beautifully integrates the elements of Afrofuturism with historical figures, aiming to educate and inspire young readers. This book can be examined through the four categories of children’s books: concept, predictable, narrative, and informative, all while being culturally responsive and relevant to the historical origins of Afrofuturism.

1. Concept Books

Concept books are designed to teach children about specific ideas or concepts, such as colors, numbers, shapes, or abstract ideas.

How "Afrofuturistic Adventures with Granville T. Woods" fits the Concept category:

• Technology and Innovation: The book introduces young readers to technological concepts and innovation through the lens of Granville T. Woods, a pioneering African American inventor known for his work in electrical engineering and telecommunication.
• Afrofuturism: It presents the idea of Afrofuturism—a cultural aesthetic that combines science fiction, history, and fantasy to explore the African diaspora's future possibilities. By integrating futuristic elements with historical narratives, it introduces children to the concept of envisioning futures shaped by African and African American perspectives.
• Cultural Identity: The book subtly teaches about cultural pride and identity by celebrating Black history and achievements within a futuristic framework. This can help children grasp the importance of their heritage and the impact of African Americans on technological progress.

2. Predictable Books

Predictable books are characterized by repetition, rhyme, or familiar story patterns that allow children to anticipate what comes next, which aids in early reading skills.

How "Afrofuturistic Adventures with Granville T. Woods" fits the Predictable category:

• Story Patterns: The book likely follows a structured pattern where Granville T. Woods encounters different challenges or scenarios that showcase his inventions. The predictable structure of problem-solving and adventure creates an engaging and educational rhythm for young readers.
• Repetitive Themes: Themes of innovation, creativity, and overcoming obstacles might recur throughout the story. This repetition helps reinforce the lessons and values associated with Granville T. Woods's life and the Afrofuturistic elements in the narrative.
• Language and Phrasing: The book could use repeated phrases or language patterns associated with the technological marvels and adventures Woods embarks upon. This predictability in language helps young readers follow along and anticipate what might happen next, enhancing their reading comprehension and enjoyment.

3. Narrative Books

Narrative books focus on storytelling, with a clear sequence of events and character development, engaging children through compelling stories.

How "Afrofuturistic Adventures with Granville T. Woods" fits the Narrative category:

• Adventure and Journey: The book likely narrates the adventures of Granville T. Woods, weaving a compelling story that takes readers through his explorations and inventions. This adventure narrative makes history accessible and exciting for children.
• Character Development: Granville T. Woods is portrayed not just as an inventor but as a dynamic character who faces and overcomes challenges. This development helps children connect emotionally with his story and understand his contributions more deeply.
• Story Arc: The narrative structure probably includes a beginning (introduction to Woods and the setting), middle (challenges and innovations), and end (resolution and the impact of Woods's work). This clear story arc keeps children engaged and helps them follow the progression of the plot.

4. Informative Books

Informative books aim to educate readers about specific topics, providing factual information and context.

How "Afrofuturistic Adventures with Granville T. Woods" fits the Informative category:

• Historical Facts: The book provides factual information about Granville T. Woods's life and his inventions. It educates children about his contributions to technology and the historical context in which he worked.
• Afrofuturism Explained: By blending historical facts with futuristic elements, the book can inform readers about the concept of Afrofuturism, explaining how it reimagines historical and cultural narratives through a futuristic lens.
• Cultural and Technological Impact: The book likely highlights the broader impact of Woods's work on society and how it connects to current technological advancements and future possibilities. This informative aspect helps children understand the lasting significance of Woods’s inventions.

Cultural Responsiveness and Relevance to Afrofuturism

Culturally responsive and relevant aspects of the book:

• Representation: Granville T. Woods, a significant African American figure, is placed at the forefront of the narrative. His story is told within the context of Afrofuturism, providing a dual layer of historical and futuristic representation.
• Integration of History and Future: The book seamlessly blends historical achievements with imaginative futuristic elements, reflecting the essence of Afrofuturism. This approach helps children see the potential of African American contributions beyond their historical context, envisioning a future where their culture and innovations play a pivotal role.
• Empowerment and Inspiration: By highlighting Woods’s ingenuity and resilience, the book inspires young readers to pursue their interests in STEM fields and to envision themselves as innovators and leaders. This is a key component of culturally responsive literature, which seeks to empower children by reflecting their heritage and potential in positive ways.
• Cultural Pride and Identity: The story celebrates Black culture and history, reinforcing a sense of pride and identity among young readers. It encourages them to appreciate their roots while dreaming about and contributing to a future that values and amplifies their heritage.

Conclusion

Afrofuturistic Adventures with Granville T. Woods meets the four categories of children’s books—concept, predictable, narrative, and informative—by:

• Teaching children about technological and cultural concepts (concept).
• Following a structured and engaging pattern of adventures and challenges (predictable).
• Narrating a compelling story about Woods's life and inventions (narrative).
• Providing factual information about his contributions and the essence of Afrofuturism (informative).

By doing so, the book is not only educational and engaging but also culturally responsive and relevant, helping children understand and appreciate the rich heritage and future possibilities of the African diaspora through the lens of Afrofuturism.

Free Pre-school Activities

Illustration Study Activity for "Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster"

Objective: Engage preschoolers in a creative exploration of the illustrations from "Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster" to develop their observation, storytelling, and artistic skills.

Activity Overview
This activity will guide preschoolers through a multi-sensory experience with the book's illustrations. They will observe, describe, and interpret the images, create their own stories, and express their ideas through art. The activity will be divided into several parts to keep the children engaged and focused.

Materials Needed
"Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster" book
Large, high-quality printouts of selected illustrations from the book
Crayons, markers, colored pencils
Construction paper
Glue, scissors
Storyboards or blank comic strips
Audio recording device (optional for storytelling)
Music playlist (with upbeat, futuristic themes)
Digital projector (optional for large group viewing)
Activity Steps

Part 1: Observation and Description
Gather the preschoolers in a circle.
Show them the book cover and ask if they know who Granville T. Woods is or what they think the book might be about.
Briefly introduce Granville T. Woods and his contributions as an inventor.
Picture Walk:

Go through the book, focusing on the illustrations. Show each picture and ask the children to describe what they see.
Encourage them to talk about the colors, shapes, and characters. Ask questions like:
"What is happening in this picture?"
"How do you think the characters are feeling?"
"What do you notice about the environment?"
Let the children use magnifying glasses or view the pictures on a digital projector to see details up close.
Discussion:

After observing each picture, have a group discussion about the scene.
Ask the children how they think the picture fits into the story.
Introduce the concept of a roller coaster and explain the unique figure-8 design.
Part 2: Storytelling and Interpretation
Story Sequencing:

Print out the illustrations in random order and spread them out on the floor or a table.
Ask the children to help put the pictures in the order they think tells the story best.
Discuss why they chose that sequence and what they think happens in each scene.
Creative Storytelling:

Divide the children into small groups and give each group one or two illustrations.
Ask them to create a short story or dialogue based on their pictures.
Encourage them to think about the setting, characters, and action in their scenes.
Each group can then share their story with the rest of the class.
Optionally, record their storytelling and play it back for them to hear.
Musical Inspiration:

Play some upbeat, futuristic music.   ex. Revival of Africa trailer Music Free - No Copyright Music - Royalty free background instrumental

https://youtu.be/NpTyPVbs-64?si=Vbi5wiQai8GSA-X6  

Ask the children how the music makes them feel and if it reminds them of any scenes in the book?
Encourage them to imagine what sounds they might hear on the figure-8 roller coaster.
Part 3: Artistic Expression
Color and Create:

Provide printouts of the illustrations for the children to color.
Encourage them to use bright, imaginative colors.
They can also add their own elements to the scenes, like drawing themselves riding the roller coaster.
Build a Roller Coaster:   Activity can be found in the back of the book.

Using stock paper, markers, and other craft materials, help the children create their own version of a figure-8 roller coaster.
They can design the tracks, cars, and background.
Glue their creations onto large sheets of paper or make a 3D model if materials are available.
Storyboard or Comic Strip:

Provide blank storyboards or comic strip templates.
Ask the children to draw their own sequence of events based on the book or their imagination.
They can add speech bubbles or captions to tell their story.
Part 4: Reflection and Sharing
Gallery Walk:

Display all the artwork and storyboards around the classroom.
Allow the children to walk around and look at each other's work.
Encourage them to talk about their favorite parts and what they enjoyed most about the activity.
Group Sharing:

Gather the children back in a circle.
Give them a chance to share their artwork and stories with the group.
Ask them what they learned about Granville T. Woods and the figure-8 roller coaster.
Closing Discussion:

Discuss how the activity helped them understand the story better.
Talk about the importance of imagination and creativity in both science and storytelling.
Encourage the children to think about how they can use their own creativity in everyday life.
Extension Activities
Field Trip: If possible, plan a visit to a local science museum or amusement park to see roller coasters in real life.
Inventor's Workshop: Set up a space where children can create their own inventions using everyday materials, inspired by Granville T. Woods.
Storybook Creation: Compile the children's artwork and stories into a class book that they can take turns bringing home.
Conclusion
This activity not only introduces preschoolers to the story of Granville T. Woods and his incredible figure-8 roller coaster but also nurtures their creativity, storytelling skills, and appreciation for innovation. By engaging with the illustrations and creating their own interpretations, the children will develop a deeper connection to the story and the amazing world of Afro-futuristic adventures.

Visual Aid Examples
Picture Walk Illustration:

Show an example of a picture from the book and how it can be discussed.
Provide prompts like, "What do you think is happening here?" or "Why do you think the characters are excited?"
Color and Create Activity:

Display a child’s-colored illustration and their additions to the scene.
Include ideas like drawing futuristic elements or their own roller coaster designs.
Storyboard or Comic Strip Template:

Provide a simple storyboard layout with 3-4 boxes where children can draw a sequence of events.
Include speech bubbles and thought clouds for them to add dialogue or thoughts.

Incorporating these detailed steps and visual aids, preschoolers will be engaged in a rich, multi-dimensional exploration of "Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster."

If you have specific illustrations from the book you'd like to focus on or any particular elements you want to highlight in the activity, feel free to share, and I can tailor the activity even further!

Get your copy of K-12 Activity Book for "Afro-Futuristic Adventures with Granville T. Woods: Figure 8 Roller Coaster"

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Sankofa, Sankofa

By Letta S. Baker Mason

Illustrated By Mark Fraley

Synopsis of Sankofa, Sankofa

    "Sankofa, Sankofa" is a heartwarming children's picture book written by Letta Baker Mason that introduces young readers to the profound concept of Sankofa, a word from the Akan tribe in Ghana that translates to "go back and fetch what you have lost." This principle is beautifully illustrated through engaging narratives and vibrant illustrations, encouraging children to explore the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage and history. The story follows the journey of the mythical Sankofa Bird as it embarks on an adventure across time and space to learn about their ancestors' achievements, wisdom, and experiences.

  Through encounters with historical figures, legendary heroes, and family elders, Sankofa shares the importance of understanding where you come from to know where you are going. Mason's storytelling is educational and inspiring, making complex concepts accessible to children. The book serves as a tool for teaching about the African diaspora and the significance of cultural identity and imparts values of resilience, pride, and self-awareness. "Sankofa, Sankofa" invites children and their families to converse about their histories, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. It is a delightful read that resonates with the message that we can build a brighter future by embracing our past. This picture book stands out as a cultural treasure, enriching the lives of young readers with its message of hope, unity, and the endless possibilities that come from knowing and honoring one's heritage.

Literacy Activities for "Sankofa, Sankofa"

"Sankofa, Sankofa" by Letta S. Baker Mason is a rich narrative that introduces young readers to the concept of Sankofa and the importance of understanding their cultural heritage. Here are literacy activities tailored for different educational levels to deepen students' engagement with the book's themes and encourage exploration of their own heritage.

Pre-K Activity: "My Family Tree Craft"

Objective: Introduce young children to the concept of family heritage and the idea of learning from the past through a simple and engaging craft activity.

Materials:

• "Sankofa, Sankofa" book
• Large sheet of paper or construction paper
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• Glue
• Scissors
• Family photos or pictures cut out from magazines
• Leaf cutouts (can be pre-made by the teacher)

Instructions:

1. Read Aloud: Read "Sankofa, Sankofa" to the class. Discuss the Sankofa Bird and its journey to learn about its past. Explain that just like the bird, we can learn a lot from our family history.

2. Family Tree Craft:

   • Draw a large tree trunk and branches on the paper.
   • Have children color and decorate their tree.
   • Give each child several leaf cutouts. On each leaf, they can draw a picture of a family member or glue a small photo.
   • Help them write the names of their family members with assistance as needed.
   • Glue the leaves onto the branches of the tree.

3. Sharing: Allow each child to share their family tree with the class, talking about who is on their tree and any stories they know about their family.

Extension: Create a classroom “Sankofa Tree” where each child adds a leaf representing a piece of wisdom or tradition from their family.

Elementary School Activity: "Journey with the Sankofa Bird"

Objective: Enhance comprehension and personal connection by exploring the journey of the Sankofa Bird and creating a story about their own heritage.

Materials:

• "Sankofa, Sankofa" book
• Writing journals or paper
• Colored pencils or markers
• Map of the world or a large piece of paper

Instructions:

1. Discussion: After reading the book, discuss the journey of the Sankofa Bird. Ask questions like, "What did the bird learn on its journey? How did learning about the past help the bird?"

2. Map Activity:

   • Provide a map of the world or draw a simple one on paper.
   • Have each student mark a place where their ancestors come from or a place that is important to their family history.
   • Encourage them to share a story or a fact about this place.

3. Creative Writing:

   • Ask students to imagine they are the Sankofa Bird traveling to their ancestral place. What do they see, hear, and learn there?
   • Have them write a short story or a descriptive paragraph about their journey.

4. Illustration: Allow students to illustrate their story with a picture of their journey and the place they visited in their imagination.

Extension: Create a class book compiling all the students' journeys and illustrations.

Middle School Activity: "Historical Figures and Me"

Objective: Connect the themes of "Sankofa, Sankofa" with personal identity and history by researching and presenting on historical figures.

Materials:

• "Sankofa, Sankofa" book
• Research materials (books, internet access)
• Poster board or presentation software
• Markers, colored pencils, and other art supplies

Instructions:

1. Introduction: Read the book together and discuss how the Sankofa Bird learns about historical figures and their impact on the future. Talk about the importance of knowing about these figures and their contributions.

2. Research Project:

   • Each student selects a historical figure from their cultural heritage or a figure who has impacted their life.
   • Research this figure's life, achievements, and how they contributed to society.

3. Presentation:

   • Students create a poster or digital presentation about their chosen figure.
   • Include key information, interesting facts, and how this figure's legacy relates to the student's own life or community.

4. Personal Connection:

   • Write a short reflection on how learning about this figure has impacted their understanding of their own heritage or inspired them.

5. Share: Present their projects to the class.

Extension: Host a "Sankofa Gallery Walk" where students can display their projects and share their research with other classes or parents.

High School Activity: "Cultural Heritage and Social Justice"

Objective: Engage in deeper analysis of cultural identity and social activism by creating a multimedia project connecting past heritage with current social issues.

Materials:

• "Sankofa, Sankofa" book
• Access to research resources (libraries, internet)
• Multimedia tools (video editing software, presentation software)
• Journals or writing materials

Instructions:

1. Critical Reading: Read "Sankofa, Sankofa" and discuss the themes of cultural heritage and the importance of understanding one's past. Explore how these themes can connect to current social justice issues.

2. Research and Reflection:

   • Students choose a social issue that resonates with them (e.g., racial equality, environmental justice).
   • Research how understanding cultural heritage can contribute to addressing this issue.
   • Reflect on their own cultural background and how it shapes their views on this issue.

3. Multimedia Project:

   • Create a multimedia presentation (video, slideshow, podcast) that explores the chosen social issue, incorporates their cultural heritage, and connects to the themes of "Sankofa, Sankofa."
   • Include interviews, historical context, and personal reflections.

4. Class Discussion:

   • Share their projects with the class.
   • Facilitate a discussion on how understanding our past and cultural heritage can inform and inspire action on contemporary issues.

5. Reflective Essay: Write an essay summarizing their project and reflecting on what they have learned about the role of cultural heritage in social justice.

Extension: Partner with a local community organization to present their projects and discuss ways to address the social issues in their community.

These activities help students of all ages connect with the themes of "Sankofa, Sankofa" and understand the importance of knowing their heritage and its role in shaping their future.