by Angela on Jul 21st, 2016
The life story of an Eastern Cape community figurehead during Apartheid, Connie Manse Ngcaba, looks set to find readers in schools and libraries across the USA. May I have this dance …. has been selected as an Honor Book for 2016 by the Children’s Africana Book Awards Committee, based in the United States.
Read an edited version of a review by Rosetta Codling, originally published as a contributer pick on www.readafricanbooks.com:
“I was absolutely mesmerized by this book. May I have this Dance? Yes, I decided to partake in the lessons and the whirlwind dance through the life of Connie Ngcaba. I assumed, wrongly, that this book for children. I released myself from this notion. And I took the hand of the author and danced from Apartheid to freedom. I paused during intervals of strife and disappointment experienced by the author. The dance resumed when others joined in. Children, colleagues, and relatives of Ngcaba helped when the steps became too cumbersome. I was uplifted at the end of the book….and thankfully…. not the end of Ngcaba’s life.
Educators will find this book to be an excellent teaching tool to chronicle the journey of South Africa to freedom. History is best taught as a lesson regarding the impact of events upon the people. I am certain that Connie Ngcaba’s lessons are many and we must teach these lessons to every generation to come.”
The Children’s Africana Book Awards (CABA) are given under the auspices of the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association (ASA).
For information about where May I have this dance … is stocked, email info@cover2cover.co.za
Book details
Jonathan Jansen talks writing for teens with Harmony High author, Sello Mahapeletsa. Come and find out about the Harmony High series – the series that’s getting young South Africans reading. 
