Lindsey McDivitt

This biographical account of Nelson Mandela examines his life from his humble beginnings in a small village, fighting prejudiced laws as a lawyer, life in and out of prison, the President of South Africa, and the impact he had (and still has!) on the world.

Mandela’s story is written in way that makes him relatable. He was man of and for the people—not just his people. One of my favorite parts of the book was learning that he was a lawyer in a big city, wore nice suits, and drove a fancy car, as I did not know about this. The author supplies a descriptive account of his life in prison in an informative and engaging way. I learned a lot about Mandela in this book.

There are a few instances in which the story reads as though two different authors have written it; the change in writing styles is confusing. I had to reread those parts a few times to understand what is being shared.

At the end of the book, the author provides resources regarding apartheid, Mandela’s prison life, various timelines, and other important information. She also shares information about her life, her interest and vast knowledge in South African struggles, and the role Mandela played in those efforts and in her life.

A note from the illustrator was a pleasant surprise! The illustrator’s work captures the tone of the story and do not overwhelm the pages.

I give this book four stars!

Disclaimer: This book was #gifted. My review is based on my honest thoughts.

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