From Kansas to Cannibals: The Story of OSA Johnson by Suzanne Middendorf Arruda

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A biography of the female explorer Osa Johnson who, with her husband Martin, made films about the Solomon Islands and Africa between the years 1920 and 1940.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-Osa Leighty came from a line of strong women who taught her that being different was not a bad thing. She realized early that life had many things to offer and, at the age of 16, she eloped with photographer Martin Johnson and spent the next seven years touring the United States giving travel shows. In 1917, she accompanied her husband to the South Seas to film cannibal headhunters. In later years, the couple traveled to remote locations in Africa to film the natives and wildlife. The narrative is often exciting-more than once Johnson had to stave off charging beasts while her husband continued filming, oblivious to danger. The descriptions of cannibals and the mention of a head roasting on an open fire will surely appeal to some readers, while others will enjoy learning about a fearless woman who made up her own mind-no minor feat in the early part of the 20th century. Black-and-white photos of uneven contrast appear throughout. The nine-entry bibliography includes seven titles by the Johnsons. A lively, involving read.-Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.