Capoeira: Game! Dance! Martial Art!

by George Ancona

"Photo-essay about Capoeira, a game, dance, and martial art, as it is played in the United States and Brazil today, plus its history and origins in the African slave culture of Brazil during the seventeenth century. Includes a glossary of Portuguese words and Web sources"--Provided by publisher.

Genres: Martial Arts, Sports, Picture Books, Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

George Ancona was an author and photographer who has published more that one hundred books, some of them bilingual. He was known for his exquisite photography and close-up looks at a variety of cultural subjects. He lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a "photo-essay" about Capoeira. Capoeira is a very cool "game" developed in Brazil-- part dance, part martial art. The first half of the book depicts children at a capoeira academy in California performing specific moves. The second half talks about the history of Capoeira (developing from African slaves in Brazil), and depicts modern capoeiristas in Brazil. There is a glossary of terms with pronunciation tips and references at the end of the book. Capoeira is becoming more popular all over the United States, and this book is a great introduction to the topic.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

We looked at this book after attending a calf where a performance. The performance was awesome so this book helped us see some of the poses and understand a little bit more of the culture behind it. It is very simple just a basic introduction for young children...about six to ten years of age.

It introduces basic instruments and moves that allow this martial arts form to include dance, music, and game.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about something new from this book. It is about capoeira, a way of expressing yourself, that is part game, part dance, and part martial art from Brazil. This book is a picture book but for grades 5-8. There are beautiful photographs that show what Anacona, the author is describing. Also, in the back is glossary and pronunciation guide to help as you read. Grades 5-8

[Laura5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew nothing about this game/dance tradition before reading this book. Really fascinating.
Inviting pictures and interesting topic.

Videos that demonstrate Capoeira:
http://youtu.be/6H0D8VaIli0
Kids competing: http://youtu.be/L4TuxJ1myFY

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a good recommendation for kids who are interested in martial arts or wants to learn more about them. It describes all the basic things you need to know about Capoeira, and includes a list of resources in the back for those who want to find out more!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about something I knew nothing about. Much too long, in parts, and I was quickly bored.

[Mills College Library]

793.31981 A542 2007

[Michelle Boquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this information book! The photos are engaging and help the reader understand a popular Brazilian sport. Great book