DK Biography: Nelson Mandela: A Photographic Story of a Life

DK Biography

by Lenny Hort

DK Biography sets a new standard in children's paperback books, relying on bold photographs, energetic storytelling, and detailed sidebars and definition boxes to build an educational and entertaining series. These books are perfect for either the classroom or the living room. Each title features a celebrated leader who has impacted our world in a big way, from important politicians to inspiring civil rights leaders, great entertainers to groundbreaking artists. These men and women come from a diverse range of nationalities and generations, but all have played a crucial role in shaping our society. DK Biographies gain momentum from detail, delving into the small things — childhood hobbies, little known fears, hidden strengths — that make a person great. Most importantly, they encourage young readers to be curious about the world and those who have influenced it. Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa, and spent 27 years in prison in his fight against apartheid. His life is a shocking, stunning, and heroic story of the struggle for freedom in a divided society, and an inspiring example of one individual's power to bring peace to a nation. Supports the Common Core State Standards.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Politics, School

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2006

Reviews

[Ellison Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the most engaging non-fiction book i have ever read. Because of the previous statement, you might as well know that I often shy from non-fiction books. I admit I would never take a second glance at this book if it were not for the fact that at school I had to read 3 Biographies. I started this book knowing only that Nelson Mandela fought for freedom for blacks and was elected president, I finished this book knowing everything about Mr. Mandela from the fact that he had 3 wives, lived to age 75, and was in jail for 27 years! I highly recommend this book to uh.... anyone. I especially liked the photographs and other non-fiction text features.

[Jmachadodacruz8 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good because I learned a lot about Nelson Mandela, because it explains his life with good detail. Reading this book showed how lucky I was to be living in this time period because back then there was a lot of fighting and war, this was mostly because of corrupt governments like south africans government. Nelson Mandela was a fighter, but then he wanted everything to be good like no racisim and for everyone to be nice to each other, so what he did was he fought for 27+ years.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I had basic knowledge of Mandela's life and life in South Africa. After reading it, I became aware of the injustices (and the many similarities to what was going on in the U.S.). In addition, I learned really specific and important parts of Mandela's life. This book does a nice job of summarizing his life, but also including enough detail that you can thoroughly understand the topics it brings up. I think Mandela's story is really important and I'm so glad I was able to take away so much from this book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truthful regarding Mandela's heavy support of aggressive tactics. I thought he was a complete non-violent protestor until I saw a documentary on him which noted an attack that killed people which he helped, at least, plan. This confused and angered me. The image in the 1990's was about letting an innocent man free. Words are one thing, they keep you free from guilt. But, violence, then I understand the imprisonment. But, he did become a President and further social activist in a positive way.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very informational and I really liked it. I like how it gave the reader now only just information but soooooooooooo much detail. But some parts it didn't give a lot of information, that is why I am giving it 4 stars

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't get a copy of Long Walk to Freedom in time to read it for a book club discussion, so I grabbed this YA photographic story from the library. I'm sure his autobiography is better, but this gave a good overview of his life.

[James]

👏🏼

[Addie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why the hell is my teacher making us read about Nelson Mandela, WHEN IT WAD WRITEN BY A WHITE GUY????

[squeakers · Rating 3 out of 5]

cool biography, I learned a lot!!

also I FINALLY learned what the nelson mandela effect is omg good job at not explaining, tiktok!

[Khalid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelson Mandela
Laaren Brown


The story that I’ve read and enjoyed was about an important person named Nelson Mandela who became his country's first black president after spending 27 years in jail and is held up as one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen. He grew up in a country where black people couldn't vote and had to carry passes everywhere they went. Nelson Mandela believed that everybody should be treated equally.
He joined a political party called the African National Congress and later co-founded the ANC Youth League, leading protests against apartheid. Sometimes the demonstrations turned violent and in 1964 Mandela was sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island. But people from all over the world campaigned for his release. When Nelson Mandela was released, apartheid was abolished in 1991, and three years later South Africa held its first elections in which black people, as well as white, were allowed to vote. The two most important characters are Nelson Mandela and Chief Jongintaba. Nelson Mandela lead his people to freedom. He spent 27 years in prison for trying to overthrow the pro-apartheid government. After he left prison, he worked to achieve human rights and a better future for everyone in South Africa. And chief Jongintaba was also important. When Mandela's father died, he took care of Mandela. He became Mandela’s friend, mentor, and guardian, raising him in the Great Place with his own children, and sent Mandela to school with his own children.


The author's message shows that fighting for a dream is important. He is also delivering Nelson Mandela’s by explaining his life story. I think the author did a really good job publishing this book because, he showed people how hard Nelson Mandela worked to end apartheid in his country. I learned something valuable in this story, and it's Nelson Mandela's life story. He inspired me to become brave even if you are treated unfairly. I want other people to read this story because, they will learn more about Nelson Mandela's story and they will be inspired by him. For instance, through this book, Nelson Mandela teaches oppressed people that they should fight for their rights and freedom.


I give this book a 5 because it's inspiring and enjoyable to read. Also the book fits my reading level. When I read this book I fully understand it. When Mandela was in prison I felt really sad for him. Also, when he was freed I felt happy because I knew that he will also free his people too. Moreover, the author used strong words that will persuade the reader to different emotions.

[Abdulla Yousif · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is one of the great books I have read during my studies; it is a story of a great man, a freedom fighter and one of the world’s most important leaders. It talks about Nelson Mandela’s life and his fight for the black people of South Africa.

Nilson Mandela was born on 18 July in 1918 in Mvezo. He studied law at Witwatersrand University and Mandela was the only black student in the law school but he didn’t finish his studies. From my point of view, I think the most important ideas that were mentioned in the book were about apartheid. For more explanation on that time there was a law enacted for black people that obligated them to carry a pass book. What’s more it was mentioned in the book episodes in his prison life and whatever changes he went through.

Clearly I would like to mention the last point in that marvelous book is after a long, hard fight, many years in prison and a lot of talks with the white government, the new South Africa was born on 27 April 1994 with Nilson Mandela as the new president.

From my point of view I believe that this book is one of the most useful books that shows the reality of apartheid in South Africa.


I highly recommend this book.

[Elijah Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Nelson Mandela was a photographic story about his life and the tribulations in South Africa. Mandela grew up in a poor village and that inspired him to become the hero that he is today. My reading experience with this book was amazing because of the history of South Africa before Mandela raised up to be an hero. Nelson was a civil activist in South Africa and eventually became president. What I admire from this book is that it told me the real facts instead of sugar-code what really happened in South Africa in 1964. For example. It say that Nelson went to jail for standing for what right. Also I learned that Nelson was busy with politics which got in the way with his marriage and eventually got into a divorce. My reading experience was good because I learn something that I didn't know. "Whenever people care for freedom and human dignity,Nelson name is know". This quote from the book shows the reader that Nelson Mandela impacted a lot of citizens in South Africa. I also didn't know that Nelson went to jail for doing nothing. If you like history or just want to read about A great man I suggest you read this book. This book is also a great source to do an history project on.

[Alaine Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book as a companion book the Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom, as I wanted more photos and pictures to look at to visualize what I was reading. This was a very enjoyable, engaging book. It did have lots of color photos and it explained so much of the history.
I would say this book would be a wonderful read for an older schoolage child and even an adult wanting to learn about Nelson Mandela, apartheid, and the history of South Africa.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." ~Nelson Mandela

I decided to read this book because I got really annoyed my brothers' lack of reading and remembered in the movie "Gifted Hands" how Ben Carson's mother made him and his brother read two books a week so I decided to try. I remember vaguely hearing of Nelson's Mandela's death and decided to read more about him.

I found this book really interesting, though at times I lost track of all of the people and organizations involved in Mandela's life. I like how the book was organized, the pictures and other info helped me grasp a better understand of his life. With all of tragedies in today's society, I would suggest reading this book, because it shows the power of the people and the power of peace and forgiveness.

[Seohui · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nelson Mandela (Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, July 18th, 1918 | December 5th, 2013) after equal election conduct is the world's first black president which was pulled out at South Africa. Former he being elected with the President, as a leader of the African National Congress (ANC) anti- apartheid movement namely, guided a marriage meeting fight to racial discrimination of South Africa old government by white people.

I this book before see was knowing the person who is Nelson Mandela until. I report to know this book well. Enormous, to graduate the school 9 year-old to separate with the parents to young age was poor. And gives own body, until the President to seek the human rights of people becomes to impression was deep.

[Kushay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has really changed my life. It is a really good because it teaches you about rights and freedom. He was the greatest hero and when he became president of South Africa he showed the world that he was a freedom fighter.This book is historical fiction. Nelson Mandela is a great read,I will recommend it to people are interested in freedom fighter and also people who like Historical fiction because it teaches you something about South Africa History.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always wanted to understand more about Nelson Mandela, so when this book came across my library desk, I grabbed it. Fabulous summary of a long, tumultuous and unifying life. His ability to get others to forgive was amazing, beginning, of course, only with himself. My only disappointment, (since I don't know what else was left out,)was that this book left out all reference to the multi-racial soccer team that was so pivotally unifying, as shown so movingly in the 2009 movie Invictus.

[Dianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was just looking to know how some of the pieces of his life fit together so this book was perfect for that and had good pictures.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief and easy to read description of Nelson Mandela's incredible life.

[Rebecca Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, concise...of course it's DK so it's not an in-depth look at a complex man; however, if you want a great overview of his life, and want it fast, this is the book to read.

[Kristin Vogel-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I'm going to introduce my class to the amazing man that Mandiba. We are going to read this book together to celebrate his life, and to learn about the struggles around the world.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked his story.

[شيماء دعبس · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is totally good. It gives you all the significant info. you need to know in brief through a small photographic booklet. It has a perfect systematic design as well.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read about an incredible life. I read this book before visiting Robben Island. A very moving experience.

[Chase S · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very interesting

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok book about an incredible and fascinating life.

[Luke]

Essentially a children's book, but, a very good read, nonetheless. Without involving a huge time commitment, it outlines the main events in his life for a full biography from his birth till just after he completes his term as South Africa's President. He has got to be one of the great historical figures of South African history and the Twentieth Century and prevented what would have been an absolutely horrendous civil war.

[Naima Hughley]

It was an amazing book, I loved it.

[Taedon]

I like this book because it is very detailed and thorough with its information. Although I do not usually enjoy reading biographies, this one was especially good.

[Jenee Antoniu]

Great, short overview of his life. It is written at a middle school reading level, so it is a quick read.