The ancient civilizations of the Western Sudan flourished between 500 and 1700 C.E. Drawing upon recent scholarship in archeology, anthropology, linguistics and history, the McKissacks present a compelling Afro-centric interpretation of what is now known about these important kingdoms and trading centers. Extensive notes and a long bibliography document the authors' sources for this important book. (Age 10 and older)

For more than a thousand years, from A.D. 500 to 1700, the medieval kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay grew rich on the gold, salt, and slave trade that stretched across Africa. Scraping away hundreds of years of ignorance, prejudice, and mythology, award-winnnig authors Patricia and Fredrick McKissack reveal the glory of these forgotten empires while inviting us to share in the inspiring process of historical recovery that is taking place today.