Nelson Mandela

December 1, 2021

Gr 4-7-His real first name was Rolihlahla, meaning "tree-shaker" or "troublemaker." When seven-year-old Rolihlahla Mandela went to a British-style school, his teacher gave him the "proper" English name of Nelson to replace his "inferior" African name. This detailed biography covers his entire life, taking time to explore the myriad events that led to his being the face of the anti-apartheid movement. While he is lauded as a hero, Mandela is also humanized, his mistakes given as much space as his accomplishments. The book is heavily illustrated with comics-like figures that portray events and offer additional information and humorous asides. The illustrations are sure to grab and maintain reader interest and enhance accessibility. They also effectively drive home the realities of the horrible working, living, and prison conditions Mandela and others endured. Frequent sidebars and text boxes offer diagrams or outlines and efficiently explain difficult concepts like the racial divisions in South Africa, apartheid, and civil disobedience. One potential area of confusion is direct quotes: while some readers may believe comments in the word bubbles are quotations, the vast majority are not. A note on the copyright page indicates that direct quotes are italicized, but neither that nor the italics are sufficiently highlighted.A pronunciation guide, time line, glossary, quote attributions, and bibliography constitute the back matter. Recommend to fans of Penguin Workshop's "Who Was?" series who want something a little more challenging. VERDICT This engaging and comprehensive biography is recommended for general purchase.-Elizabeth Lovsin, Deerfield P.L., IL

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Starred review from August 1, 2021
A middle-grade biography of Nelson Mandela brings this globally inspiring leader to life for young readers. With black-and-white line drawings and a layout that incorporates traditional text with touches of comics, this biography is engrossing. It opens in 1930, as 12-year-old Mandela is sent to the residence of the acting king of the Thembu people, a brush with royalty that would lay the groundwork for his life's journey. The narrative includes context about the history of colonization of South Africa and the racial structure of the society, allowing readers to gain an understanding of Mandela's life. Much of the book centers on Mandela's early life: his adoption into the royal family upon his father's sickness, learning the great narratives of South African history that countered what he was taught in school, and experiencing Xhosa rites of passage. Isdahl describes how Mandela was affected by the demoralizing pass laws designed to ensure a steady supply of cheap workers for White farmers, as well as other racially oppressive rules and laws pervasive during that time. Readers learn how, in the 1940s, Mandela joined the fight against apartheid, putting his talents and legal skills to work for the African National Congress. The harsh conditions that led to Mandela's struggle are made clear, making his long-delayed victory all the sweeter. This extensively researched and passionately told biography is an incredible resource. (pronunciation guide, timeline, glossary, notes, bibliography, index) (Biography. 8-12)

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