Nelson Mandela: From Prisoner to President

by Suzy Capozzi, Nicole Tadgell (Illustrator)

This Step 4 leveled reader about Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Prize–winning activist for racial equality in South Africa, is as spellbinding a biography as you can find. His journey from student to revolutionary to inmate to president of South Africa will inspire and engage kids of all ages.   As conversations about race, prejudice, and injustice pervade classrooms and homes, teachers and parents need books that can bring those discussions within the grasp of kids. Nelson Mandela’s story, told honestly and accessibly, is just such a book. The subjects of apartheid and racism are handled with aplomb, and readers will find much to discuss with their classmates, friends, and families.   Step 4 Readers use challenging vocabulary and short paragraphs to tell exciting stories. For newly independent readers who read simple sentences with confidence.

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction, Biography

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2016

Reviews

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelson Mandela: From Prisoner to President by Suzy Capozzi, illustrations by Nicole Tadgell. 48 pgs. NONFICTION. Step Into Reading (Random House), 2016. $4.

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL -- ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This biography of Nelson Mandela describes his life from birth, to activism, to imprisonment, to president.

This informative book not only illuminates the life of an admirable man, but also serves as a stepping-stone to discussions about broader topics such as racism. The politics of South African apartheid are described in ways that children are likely to understand, and the facts are presented in an interesting way. A good addition to a library or classroom's biography section.

Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Nichole Haselhuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This book is about the life of Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Prize-winning activist for racial equality in South Africa. It chronicles his journey from student to revolutionary to inmate to president of South Africa.

Writing Trait:
Presentation - This book utilizes dramatic imagery alongside the text to create vivid imagery of the events, bringing it more to life for the reader.

Classroom Integration:
This would be a great book for older students when learning about more recent pivotal world history events. It could also be utilized as a resource to support students in History Day or Wax Museum projects.

Level: 4.7

[Vern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and insight to share with young children. The GOAT of all time!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biographical title is a part of the "Step into Reading" series; it is a Step 4 intended for newly independent readers in grades 2nd - 3rd. The longer sections of text accompanied by both illustrations and photographs would encourage these readers. Also, the text is written in the popular narrative nonfiction style so that the reader feels both entertained and enlightened by the content. I must admit that I learned a great deal about the life and politics of Nelson Mandela in this brief book. I recommend this title to both school and public libraries to encourage younger readers to read for historic, political, and world knowledge.

[Leah Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for grades 2-3. It has challenging vocabulary, short paragraphs and tells a great story about a world leader and the struggles he faced during his life.