Author: Nelson Mandela & Abridged by: Chris Van Wyk
Illustrator: Paddy Bouma
We bought this book during Black History Month so that I could learn more about one of the most well known and influential figures from black history. It tells the incredible story of his life and achievements.
He experienced the unfair treatment that black people faced in South Africa while it was under white control. He chose to fight apartheid, and suffered many unfair punishments including being imprisoned for 27 years. before becoming South Africa’s first democratically elected black president. For the rest of his life he continued the campaign for freedom and justice throughout the world.
Did you know? Nelson Mandela was born on the 18th July 1918 in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. He was named Rolihlahla (troublemaker in Xhosa) by his father. It was not until he started school, aged 7, that his teacher gave him the name Nelson.
The book has been specially adapted for children but is based on Nelson Mandela’s own autobiography ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ published in 1994. The picture book is simply written to suit a younger audience, contains lots of biographical information and is full of colourful illustrations of Nelson Mandela and events throughout his lifetime. There’s a really useful timeline and glossary at the back of the book too which will help anyone researching for a project or school work.
I think this book is an excellent way to learn about this very important man and how he helped change history for so many people.
My score: 5/5
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