Chris Van Wyk

Ostensibly light reading, about a coloured boy growing up in Johannesburg in the '80s. Occasional mentions of the apartheid system, however, function like sudden barbs in an otherwise typical boyhood memoir and make you think about the perversity of growing up under that regime.
It was very interesting to read a South African account from the coloured side of the fence (I never knew, for instance, that coloured people kept Zulu housekeepers), and especially poignant as a pendant to the show more contemporary South African boyhood memoir from a privileged white kid (the "Spud" series by John van de Ruit). show less

Based upon Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, this picture-book presents the story of the long-time activist who fought against the injustices of South Africa's apartheid regime to younger readers. Beginning with his birth in the small Thembu village of Mvezo in 1918, Chris van Wyk's adaptation traces Mandela's story through his school years, his early career as a lawyer, and his role in the African National Congress. The infamous Sharpeville Massacre, Mandela's trial for show more plotting the "overthrow the government," and his subsequent twenty-seven years in prison, are all briefly covered. The book concludes with the story of Mandela's release, and his election as South Africa's first black president...

Created in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, this lovely picture-book gives an excellent overview of Mandela's life, covering all the bases. A timeline and glossary are included at the rear. Paddy Bouma's evocative color illustrations ably accompany the text. All in all, a most welcome addition to the field of biography for the younger child. Recommended to any picture-book reader who enjoys biography, or is interested in Nelson Mandela. show less

This brief version of Nelson Mandela's autobiography is a good read but, not surprisingly, quite limited. It covers all major aspects of his life and even gives some great history on the fight against apartheid in South Africa. However, as this is meant for younger readers, not more that a line or two is devoted to each event. As an adult, I wanted more information, but to introduce a young reader to the life of Mandela and history of South Africa, this book would be a great starting point.

Summary: This awesome book takes the young reader into one of the worlds greatest minds. It all starts out through the eyes of a young village boy. Nelson Mandela's struggles become real through the explanation of Apartheid, and his long struggle in prison. It all comes to an amazing conclusion when he becomes the highest leader of South Africa.

Personal Reaction: I've always loved the history of South Africa, and Nelson Mandalas struggle in general, so this book really got me caught up in show more it. This was very informative to say the least, and I would love to teach this to a younger generation.

Classroom Extension: When teaching children about important subjects like racism and segregation, I believe we cannot hold back on the most substantive parts of the discussion. Kids are very perceptive to nonsense and can tell when we are only telling them half truths. This book does not allow for that, as far as Mandela's life is concerned. Great book to teach a classroom of impressionable minds about this extremely important person in world history. show less