Book excerpt: A new student from South Africa is joining Kim s third-grade class. What a great excuse for a party! In order to prepare, Kim and her friends read all about South Africa, a rich and beautiful country at the southern tip of the African continent. The class learns about this country s sad history of racial segregation, as well as its amazing transition to the rainbow nation it is today. They read about South Africa s mineral wealth, and its plant and animal diversity. They are amazed to discover that South Africa has eleven different official languages, five of which are included in the national anthem. Kim and her classmates cook mielie pap, a traditional South African food, and make an African penguin craft to greet their new friend. Molo, Zaziwe!>