Dan Eldon: Safari as a Way of Life by Jennifer New is a biography of a fascinating young man that reads like an autobiography because it includes so many of his photographs, pieces of art and and excerpts of his journals. 
Dan Eldon was an artist/photojournalist who grew up in Kenya and was killed in Somalia at the age of 22. Although he did not live long, he did manage to fill his life with many interesting experiences and wild adventures that have inspired others who learn of his story.
Overall, the book has the feel of a journal, with pop-ups, fold-outs and consumables such as an iron-on transfer, a poster, a sticker and fold-out postcards. (The consumable items are not included in the Library Edition.) It is an unusual book, which is suited for an unusual young man.
Dan Eldon: Safari as a Way of Life is sure to be popular with teens/young adults, for even though he had an unusual life, he had many of the same problems as other young people. Readers will relate to the fact his parents divorced, he had troubles with his girlfriends, and he wasn’t always sure what to do with his life. On the other hand, his art, photographs and words are eerily mature. This is a book you will want to come back to again and again, and you will discover something new each time.
This book has been nominated for a Cybils award in the MG/YA nonfiction category.
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 081187091X
ISBN-13: 978-0811870917
The book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by the new Nonfiction Monday blog to see who is hosting each week.
This week’s post is at A Curious Thing.
Hi Roberta, I think this is the second time that I’ve seen a rave review for this book. Now I’m definitely intrigued. I don’t know this young man but now I feel compelled to get to know him and his life. Thanks for this post and including such a nice videoclip too. 🙂
I thought this was a fascinating read, too. This was my first time hearing and reading about Dan Eldon. Have you seen any of the other books that have been written about him? I wondered if they would appeal to YAs as well.
Great reviews.
Tammy
Apples with Many Seeds