Review by Booklist Review
This earnest, if overwritten, profile of the great peacemaker focuses not so much on his biographical details as on his fixed vision of South Africa as a pluralistic, inclusive, "nonracial nation." Along with properly acknowledging that country's history of racial injustice and its violent responses to protest, the author gives plenty of play not just to Mandela's uncommon strength of character but also to his conviction that those who locked him away were likewise prisoners, "locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness," as he put it, and so themselves in need of being freed and forgiven. As in his Steptoe New Talent Award--winning illustrations for Kathryn Erskine's Mama Africa! (2017), Palmer employs vivid colors and vigorous brushwork that capture his subject's charisma admirably. The audience-expanding back matter includes author's, illustrator's, and historical notes as well as generous multimedia resource lists. Rewarding reading for students of any country or culture afflicted with racial conflicts.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--5--Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison. His mission to fight apartheid in South Africa was fueled by his passion for his people and the determination to dismantle an unjust system. Mandela's conviction led to the creation of the Freedom Charter in 1955 by the African National Congress (ANC). During his years spent in prison, Mandela struggled with the horrible conditions and missed his family. However, he came to realize that at the heart of apartheid was racism, and the only way to counter racism was through love and understanding. Mandela used his time in prison to continue his education, reach out to the white guards, and keep in contact (as best he could) with the outside world. His allies in the ANC made sure he was not forgotten, and he became the symbol for their struggle. As the South African government worked to maintain control, Mandela reached out to government officials. They were surprised by his knowledge of Afrikaans, their history, culture, and his deep understanding of the needs and anxieties of the South African people. Finally free at the age of 71, Mandela helped his country find its way to freedom and democracy. Palmer's powerful paintings complement this inspiring story of sacrifice and loss, devotion and learning, patience and hard work. Time lines, additional information about apartheid, and recommended resources are included. The author and illustrator notes provide further context. VERDICT Highly recommended for libraries that need titles about the ongoing global fight against racism. Mandela's journey makes for a powerful reminder of the ability to change.--Heidi Grange, Summit Elem. Sch., Smithfield, UT
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is remembered for his "wide, warm smile" -- but the hope that fueled that smile was difficult to maintain. As a child and a young man, he worked hard and had hope for his future. When South Africa's apartheid laws were created and enforced, Mandela used his position as a lawyer to defend Black Africans and joined the African National Congress to create a plan for a united and free nation for all. The government sentenced Mandela and other freedom fighters to life in prison, but Mandela didn't let his imprisonment or his anger stop his cause. This detailed picture-book biography, with its comparatively lengthy text, highlights how Mandela used whatever means were at his disposal to continue progressing toward freedom for his people and his country, even under the most restrictive and difficult circumstances. During his decades in prison, for example, he made a difference by connecting with white guards on a human level. By the time the book shows Mandela freed and elected president, the reader is full of admiration for this passionate and talented leader whose dedication earned him the nicknames of Madiba, "honored elder"; and Tata, "beloved Father of a new country." Palmer's dramatic paintings use dynamic brushstrokes to create engaging portraits of the eminently recognizable Mandela and of the world he influenced. Appended with extensive back matter and source notes. Autumn Allen July/August 2021 p.136(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An inspiring biography of Nelson Mandela, who made ending South African apartheid his life's work. Accompanied by Palmer's rich, full-color acrylic paintings, the substantial text explores Mandela's life: his youth in a Xhosa village, his time at university, his early political activism and imprisonment, and his rise to the South African presidency. McDivitt offers enough apartheid history to help young readers understand the systematic nature of racism, implemented through restrictive policies, and how it negatively impacted every aspect of life for Black South Africans. Palmer's illustrator's note explains that although the images could have conveyed much more negativity, given the violence of apartheid, he wanted to illustrate the hope that Mandela had for his homeland--a recurring theme in the text--and therefore created bright, colorful, and uplifting artwork throughout. The double-page spread of a tearful Mandela, still imprisoned, holding his new granddaughter is especially moving. McDivitt's author's note explains that her Afrikaner family, who relocated to the U.S. in 1962, the year of Mandela's imprisonment, felt such shame about their background that they rarely discussed apartheid: "I learned that educating myself about racism is a lifelong process"--wise words for the contemporary United States, where a reckoning around systemic racism and White supremacy is well underway. Ten pages of age-appropriate backmatter make this an excellent resource for learning about Mandela and apartheid. Beautiful, informative, essential. (Picture book/biography. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
