The book "Growth, Distribution, and Poverty in Africa: Messages from the 1990s" looks at how poverty has changed in eight African countries over the past decade. By studying household survey data, the authors found that some groups benefited from economic growth while others were left behind. They discovered that factors like education, health, and nutrition play a role in poverty levels. The data showed that public action is needed to ensure that all poor Africans benefit from future economic growth.