Nelson Mandela

This is a beautiful book, as we'd expect from award-winning artist and author Kadir Nelson. He tells Nelson Mandela's story in prose that's structured like poetry. It's definitely a striking book, but it wasn't the whole package for me. I'd pair it with another biography of Mandela because I feel like it doesn't provide quite as much information as I'd like. There is an author's note with more information about Mandela's life (and sources are cited, hooray!), but I wish more of that information had been included in the actual text of the book.

This would make a great readaloud for kids who are already familiar with Mandela's life or apartheid or as part of a discussion about Nelson Mandela's life.

I have mixed feelings on this book seeing as its extremely well written, paced, and drawn but the plot does not leave much in the sense of gripping conflict that engrosses the reader. It pushes the reader to think about freedom and what they would do when faced with injustice, but it more or less just tells. I do not feel like the novel wants to open me up, but instead just implant the necessary information given. The writing is solid alongside understandable language, but it lacks the luster that a Mandela story should have in my opinion.

I enjoyed this simple biography of Nelson Mandela. One line that caused me to pause, however, was this: "The (native peoples) made war on European settlers who came in search of land and treasure." Their land had been invaded, yet the phrasing of this statement makes it seem like the South African indigenous groups had been the ones to initiate the conflict. I would have liked more information about how the system of apartheid was eventually overturned (the author seems to skip that part), but since the book is about Mandela, not apartheid per se, I understand why these politics are left out.

Curricular connections: This book would be a great introduction to the life of an individual who was so influential as a peacemaker. Even for older show more elementary students or middle school students, the book could be used to spark discussion about South Africa, its history, and apartheid. It could be used as part of a biographical text set on Mandela as part of a class project where students select a person who fought for civil rights. show less

This book was a fantastic read, not only because of the content of the story, but the pictures are extraordinary throughout the book. Just from the front cover alone the paintings look so realistic. The attention to detail helps connect the text to the illustrations. The books goes through the life of Nelson Mandela from his childhood, protesting days, time in jail, his release/ freedom, and to his eventual presidentially for South America. While reading there was this one page where the text is discussing the protestors and the imagery of all the people is exquisite. Another example is the Nelson Mandela older pictures, the illustrator paid so much attention to wrinkles on the face and prominent detail. The text was also well written show more and did a great job explain the real events that occurred in South Africa, with events of the apartheid. It Again the pictures, showed a sign explain what section of the beach it is and who is allowed on it. The book does a great job connecting the text and pictures. The text does a great job explaining historical events and by using more photos only helps the books cause in becoming a great read. I want to add this book to my own collection one day. I would hands down give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. show less

In this award winning, beautifully illustrated book, young readers can learn about the life and lasting impact of Nelson Mandela. The story begins with a young Nelson Mandela, whose name was Rolihlahla at birth. This name means troublemaker. Author and illustrator Kadir Nelson tells Nelson Mandela's story of his education, work, involvement in resistance to abolish apartheid, imprisonment, and his election.
This book is great for grades first through fifth and provides a fair amount of detail on his life that young readers can digest. The book contains beautiful illustrations and he is an important person in history for students to know about.

Nelson Mandela written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. No modern life better illustrates the cost and the value of keeping the faith. Mandela was educated with the support of the United Methodist Church, drew strength from Thembu chiefs and his ancestors. The spare narrative moves swiftly through the timeline of Mandela’s life as a lawyer, activist, prisoner and president. The compelling pictures demonstrate his passion, character and generous spirit.

Kadir Nelson's artwork is just stunning. It's beautiful and forceful and moving.

In this book, Kadir works to explain Apartheid and Mandela's life in a way that children can understand. He shows, for example, a sign on a beach that says Whites Only. In the background are white people having fun. I think most children are going to be able to relate to the concept of not being allowed to play, and will realize the unfairness of such an arbitrary system.

At other times, Kadir shows men making little rocks out of big rocks. And he shows the small little cell and bed that Mandela slept on for decades.

There is possibly a little less emphasis on the roll of Europeans and their economic and moral support than I've seen in other books. But the show more strength of the people, and of Mandela shines through.

This is a gorgeous book.

Pam T~ show less