Nelson Mandela: Volume 73

By Author / Illustrator

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Alison Hawkins

Genre

Non Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd

ISBN

9780711257894

Format

Hardback

Published

25-01-2022

Synopsis

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black president, and his fight for equality.

Little Nelson's given name was Rolihlahla, which means 'troublemaker' in Xhosa, his native language. But his rebellious nature would lead him to become one of the world's most inspirational civil rights leaders and anti-apartheid revolutionaries. Despite the many years of imprisonment and adversity he faced, Nelson remained firm in his mission to end the racist system of apartheid in South Africa. His bravery and resilience was rewarded when he was released from prison and later voted in to become South Africa's first Black president. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the activist turned president's life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

Reviews

Part of the incredibly popular Little People, Big Dreams series, this book tells the incredible life story of Nelson Mandela. It starts with his childhood in the African Tribe his father was the chief of and recounts how his name was changed from Rolihlahla, which means 'troublemaker' in his native dialect to Nelson, on his first day of school; this was because all the children were given English names. Nelson grew up and moved to Johannesburg so that he didn't have to get married and became involved with a political group that fought back against the appalling segregation and apartheid laws.

The book details how he was arrested and imprisoned for 27 years but became a national symbol of hope, which culminated in him being voted the first black president of South Africa. This inspiring book, which is gorgeously illustrated, is a perfect classroom read, addition to the library shelf or gift for a child who needs to be reminded that "a winner is just a dreamer who never gives up".

32 pages / Reviewed by Wendy Kelly, teacher