A Family from Bosnia; A Family from Ethiopia

An interesting, highly illustrated series for upper primary/lower secondary which aims to show what life is like for a 'typical' family in each country. A map and some basic facts about the country are followed by an introduction to the family by way of a photograph of them outside their home surrounded by everything that they own (which in the case of both these families is pitifully little). Enlargements of sections of this photo are then used on various pages which encourages the reader to look closely at the pictures.

The Bosnia book has the more unusual subject matter. The actual fighting takes a back seat as the emphasis is on the problems of trying to live some sort of normal life in the middle of a war zone. The Bucalovic family from Sarajevo have about £25 a month to live on, food is scarce (but supplemented by UN handouts), water has to be brought from 2km away in plastic containers and the electricity supply is fitful.

The Ethiopia book has more familiar stuff on family life in the developing world - albeit a country, like Bosnia, that has been racked by war. The Getu family struggle to get by on £123 a year earned through subsistence farming.

Much discussion material here. The families remain cheerful despite all the problems and the books end on an optimistic note. Other titles in the series are Brazil, China, Germany, Guatemala, Iraq, Japan, South Africa and Vietnam.