In Zanzibar, the merchant Ramesh has a prized treasure. The golden ass is beautiful and valuable, and many are tempted to steal it. But the penalty is always death. 127pp, UK. MACMILLAN EDUCATION, 0333653483

The biggest and most valuable diamond ever found in Namibia disappears from a press conference. Later that day, Ndeshipanda, a fifteen year old Ovambo girl, finds she is on the run from dangerous criminals. 122pp, UK. MACMILLAN EDUCATION, 0333615913

While King Cetshwayo of the Zulus is refusing to give in to the British, Ntombi, the favourite daughter of Babe Masuku has disappeared. Her parents believe she has been murdered but her older brother Thami has a secret he cannot share with anyone. 124pp, UK. MACMILLAN EDUCATION, 0333653467

A fifteen year old is caught up in a revolution, soon after arriving in the capital city. 102pp, UK. MACMILLAN EDUCATION, 0333641507