Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson - ESSENTIAL

Nelson, Kadir  Nelson Mandela  HarperCollins Publishers, 2013.  PICTURE BOOK $17.99  Content: G. 

This is a simple biography of Nelson Mandela’s life from the time that he was a small boy until he became the first black president of South Africa.  When he was nine he was sent to a powerful chief to learn about the different tribes and stories of South Africa.  When he was a young man he went to Johannesburg and received an education as a lawyer.  He used his education to help the poor and oppressed fight for their freedom.  Because he was considered an agitator, he was sent to prison, where he served for 27 plus years.  When he was finally freed, the country had rid itself of apartheid, but Mandela was elected to be the new president, and to help the people reach “the last mile to freedom”. 

This is a great summary of Nelson Mandela’s life that can be shared in the elementary schools.  The story is easy to follow and understand.  The illustrations are fabulous and the message of freedom is simply stated but powerful.  There is a two page biography at the end that gives a bit more detail to the story. 

EL (K-3), EL -ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.