Hector: A Boy, A Protest, and the Photograph that Changed Apartheid

by Adrienne Wright

On June 16, 1976, Hector Pieterson, an ordinary boy, lost his life after getting caught up in what was supposed to be a peaceful protest. Black South African students were marching against a new law requiring that they be taught half of their subjects in Afrikaans, the language of the White government. The story’s events unfold from the perspectives of Hector, his sister, and the photographer who captured their photo in the chaos. This book can serve as a pertinent tool for adults discussing global history and race relations with children. Its graphic novel style and mixed media art portray the vibrancy and grit of Hector’s daily life and untimely death.

Heartbreaking yet relevant, this powerful story gives voice to an ordinary boy and sheds light on events that helped lead to the end of apartheid.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Biography, Nonfiction, Africa, Cultural, Historical

48 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2019

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important picture book ! I really enjoyed it and didn't realize how much I didn't know about the student protest that took place in South Africa. Apartheid is definitely a topic that I'm learning and this book opened up my eyes to another aspect of it. I'll be looking for more picture books that specifically deal with apartheid in South Africa.

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up during the South African apartheid, writer and illustrator Wright tells the true story behind the famous photograph of Hector Colile Pieterson, a 12-year-old boy who, in 1976, was shot and killed during a student protest against lessons in Afrikaans. The photograph itself brought the tragedy to the rest of the world and the change that was long required.

In a loose, graphic-novel style, Wright uses soft watercolour images in which she explores the community to which Hector belonged through third person and over the shoulders of both his family members and the photographer who took his famous shot. Through these perspectives, Hector's ignorance and innocence and the tragedy of the event shine through.

Touching, well-researched including conversations of Pieterson's own family mean that this is a powerful and important graphic biography.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

HECTOR—oh, wow. This graphic novel blew me away. Hector Zolile Pieterson was a young boy in South Africa who died in a protest in 1976. The story of his life and the shocking photograph of his brutal murder is told in graphic novel format from three perspectives, Hector’s, his sister’s and the photographer Sam’s. Belongs in every elementary and middle school library!

[Vivian Kirkfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

With simple yet evocative text, Wright connects us to the story of Hector...and in doing so, we become part of that moment in history. They say that books are a window on the world...this is true and, although it is extremely sad that this book is still timely...one would have hoped that the hatred and division between peoples would have disappeared...this story will help open eyes...and hearts. As an educator, I highly recommend this book for all elementary classes! Well written, extensively researched, with heart-stoppingly beautiful illustrations, this is a must-have book for every school, library, and home bookshelves.

[Kim Chaffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me speechless. This amazing story is impeccably told through Wright’s engaging text and stunning art. Hector, an ordinary boy, is struck down at an historic protest against apartheid in South Africa. Structured with multiple points-of-view, this story is an important read, not to be missed.

[Ben Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hector: A Boy, A Protest, and the Photograph that Changed Apartheid is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Adrienne Wright, which tells the tragically short life of Hector Pieterson, who indirectly changed Apartheid.

Hector Pieterson was a South African schoolboy who was shot and killed during the Soweto uprising, when police opened fire on students protesting the enforcement of teaching in Afrikaans. A news photograph by Sam Nzima of the mortally wounded Pieterson being carried by another Soweto resident while his sister ran next to them was published around the world. The anniversary of his death is designated Youth Day, when South Africans honor young people and bring attention to their needs.

The text is rather simplistic and straightforward. Told in three perspectives, Wright retells the true story of Hector Pieterson – a typical boy, who was killed during a protest. The narrative is also told by his older sister, Antoinette, and the photographer Sam Nzima, who snapped the photograph that would change Apartheid irrevocably. Additional information could be found in the back of the book. The illustrations are wonderfully done and captured the narrative extremely well.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Prior to the erupting discord and violence, it is an ordinary weekend for Hector Pieterson when he decided to participate in what was supposed to be a peaceful protest against Apartheid, but was killed during the crossfire. Wright’s deliberately paced, highly visual narrative captures a traumatic moment with piercing clarity and doesn’t shy from including the photograph upon which the story is based.

All in all, Hector: A Boy, A Protest, and the Photograph that Changed Apartheid is a wonderful children's book and tribute to the tragically short life of Hector Pieterson, who through his death changed Apartheid.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a powerful but forgotten story, about the life and death of a young boy that helped to trigger the fight against apartheid in South Africa. It wasn't the first time that the police there had done something wrong, but it may have been the first time that it had been both so public, and so thoroughly witnessed, as the photograph of the results of their actions made the news.
The jarring difference between his very normal life and the circumstances around him helped to make this so strong a story, but the circumstances themselves helped to show just how horrible the system in South Africa really was at that time.
Apartheid wasn't some age-old system that simply wouldn't go away. It was deliberately implemented in 1948, as other nations were moving to reduce racial discrimination. South Africa insisted on moving in the other direction, and in the 1970s tried to move things even more toward the Dutch-descended white minority. That was the final straw for many, and is the story told in this book.
It's not a happy tale, but one that should be of interest, because echoes of discrimination and related evils still exist today.

[Heather Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly powerful book about South African apartheid and the moving photograph capturing Hector Pieterson’s death that helped to become a catalyst to end apartheid...14 years later.

I loved this book, but I’m not quite sure which collection to which this book should belong 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful tool to use when talking about how the media can sway opinion. I do wish the book took the time to show more of the inequity that Apartheid caused. But, perhaps this wasn't intended for a US audience.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving story behind the picture that helped end apartheid in South Africa, told in graphic novel format.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional, enlightening, heartbreaking. Be aware of the child's sensitivity before recommending it. But, this is an important and true story that children today should know.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

In South Africa on June 16, 1976, Hector Pieterson was killed in what was supposed to be a peaceful student protest. The photograph of him being carried from the scene helped lead to the end of apartheid. The book is told from three perspectives: Hector’s, his older sister, and the photographer who took the image. A new law had gone into effect that all South Africans had to have half of their subjects taught in Afrikaans, the language of the white ruling class. The book shows Hector trying to remember to count in Afrikaans at home. On the fateful day, Hector gets ready for school but when he gets there, the students aren’t attending school but are protesting instead. He gets caught in the protest and then a bullet is fired. After the crowds disperse, Hector is on the ground.

Done in a graphic novel style, this nonfiction book is based on interviews with Hector’s family to see what sort of boy he was. The book shows his playful side and the tough choices his family made to have their children in school. The book also shows touches of what life was like during apartheid with separate entrances for black and white and oppressive laws. The art is done in sandy tones and deftly shows the dominance of apartheid in everyday life.

An important book that speaks to one boy and the way his death helped transform a country. Appropriate for ages 8-12.

[Shakera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hector was an normal child, doing normal child things when he became caught up in something much bigger than him. By the end of the day, the world would know his name and his death would change the political and social landscape of what we now know as apartheid in South Africa. My personal opinion is that more books should be written to uncover a sometimes hidden past. Warning: this book contains the actual picture of Hector's body being carried by a stranger. Another child to be exact. The first reaction is to look away or protect the young reader from it. After all, it is a children's book. But I challenge you to really look and explain this part of history to your children.

[Wendy Greenley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it's hard to write a review without spoilers, and this is one of them. Don't read on if you want to approach the book without any preconceptions. This picture book for older readers is a powerful one. Centered on a real-life photograph, the story takes readers to South Africa, to a moment in history when an intended peaceful protest took a child's life. Reading the book is an emotional journey.

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful story about South Africa that most kids and adults are likely to be unfamiliar with. The author did research and interviewed family members about Hector and the events that day.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true story is based on events on June 16, 1976 in South Africa. Students in Soweto, a township outside of Johannesburg, planned a peaceful protest of a new education law that required Black students to be taught in Afrikaans rather than English. Afrikaans was the language of the white rulers of South Africa. South Africa was governed by a system called apartheid, which enforced discrimination towards and segregation of Black citizens.

Hector Zolile Pieterson was “an ordinary twelve-year-old boy” who went to the non-white school in Soweto. On June 16, however, Hector and a friend saw no one was attending school, and they gravitated toward the sound of chanting and singing by a mass of students heading toward the stadium where the protest was being held.

The police tried to block the protestors with tear gas and live bullets. Antoinette, Hector’s older sister, saw him in the crowd and yelled that he should run for home right away. But as Hector ran, he was shot and killed by police.

Photojournalist Sam Nzima captured a picture of Hector’s dead body being carried away. The picture was picked up by the international press, and, as the author writes at the end of the book in “After the Photograph,” “became a powerful symbol, opening the world’s eyes to the racism and violence of apartheid and providing change in South Africa.” She also notes that June 16 is now a public holiday in South Africa known as “Youth Day” in remembrance of those who died protesting apartheid.

The author also tells us that growing up white in South Africa, she saw the practices of apartheid and police, but it was something that happened to other lives, not her own. But she wanted to write a book about what happened, and she was able to speak both with Antoinette and Sam Nzima.

In Wikipedia one can learn more about what happened after Nzima took the photograph. The police confiscated most of Nzima’s film but he stuffed the role documenting the violence into his sock. The newspaper by Blacks and for Blacks, “The World,” published the photo the next day. Time Magazine reports that “by the next day, Nzima’s photo was splashed across the front pages of newspapers from New York to Moscow. Suddenly the world could no longer ignore the horror of apartheid. Almost overnight, international opinion hardened against South Africa’s apartheid regime.”

Nzima was forced to go into hiding because of the harassment he was receiving by the security police. After three months the police caught up to Nzima and put him under house arrest. He never took a photo again. The government shut down “The World” two years later, and raided the office. Nzima’s negatives are thought to have been destroyed.

Back matter includes a reproduction of Nzima’s famous photo, some thumbnail biographies, a glossary along with pronunciation guide, and list of additional sources.

Evaluation: This book written in graphic novel style for readers 8 and over and illustrated by the author in somber tones delivers a gut punch. It will help readers see the effects, not just historically in South Africa, but everywhere and in the present time, of racism, protest, and police violence. The fact that Hector was only 12 and was an “ordinary boy” caught in the wrong place will particularly resonate with readers.

Rating: 4.5/5

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story behind an amazing photograph that triggered the major shift in racism in South Africa.

Hector was teenager who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, ending up being shot during a protest against apartheid. His story is told from three points of view: Hector is first and leads up to the shooting, his older sister Antoinette is second and continues the narrative through the taking of the photograph, and the photographer Sam's narrative jumps in during the start of the protest through the publication of the photograph.

Wright has chosen to write some of this story in frames. Readers may be able to "hear" her South African accent when reading the text, lending authenticity and a feeling of "having been there at the time" to the text. The illustrations, done in pastel and collage, are muted and soft - as if from memory. The book is set up in three distinct sections, punctuating the different points of view of the incident.

The inclusion of the photograph may be gut-wrenching to some. It reminds me of the Vietnam war photo of Phan Thị Kim Phúc OOnt, also called the "napalm girl" in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken at Trảng Bàng during the Vietnam War on June 8, 1972.

This particular book is shockingly similar to events occurring here in the United States in 2020. It could be about protesters against senseless racist-caused deaths like Tamir Rice Trayvon Martin, or George Floyd, or...

Use this to start a discussion about civil rights and racism.

Highly Recommended for grades 6-12.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent picture book with a very important story. In South Africa, on June 16, 1976, protests broke out all over SA over a policy to force Blacks to take 50 percent of their coursework in school in Afrikaans, the language of the White oppressors in the government. It was a heavy handed attempt to cut off access to learning English, an international language that helped Blacks communicate with the outside world. Blacks were already isolated in suburbs outside of cities which were heavily regulated and prevented from coming and going at will. As more international organizations were expressing concern over treatment of minorities cutting off access linguistically and forcing people to speak their language was another way of holding people hostage. This picture book introduces a 12 year old boy, his older sister, and a photojournalist. On this day, June 26, 1976, Blacks protested being forced learning Afrikaans and White SA troops responded. They shot and killed this 12 year old and the sister found him. A photojournalist took a photo of her and another boy carrying him. The troops destroyed most of his film but he hid one roll. That photo was published on the front page of the local newspaper and around the world exposing the government’s cruelty. It sparked boycotts and criticism all over the world and within 20 years, the apartheid government had to stand down. A delicate subject in school and for elementary kids, but a very important one.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hector: A Boy, a Protest, and the Photograph That Changed Apartheid by Adrienne Wright was the 2020 winner of the Children’s Africana Book Awards. This book came from South Africa. Hector tells the story of a 12 year old boy who gets caught up in a peaceful protest on June 16, 1976. The Black protestors were marching against a new law that required half of their school subjects be taught in the language of the White government, Afrikaans. Throughout the story the perspectives change from Hector’s point of view, to his sisters, and ultimately a photographer who took photos of the horrific event that transpired.

This mostly true story includes photographs taken from the actual event by the photographer, Sam Nzima, alongside illustrations by Wright. This photograph inspired this book to be written. The book also includes a bibliography and glossary to help provide some historical context to readers. This book could be used to start a discussion with students about race relations, as well as South African history. As an educator, it would be important to include more historical context besides what the book provides to guide the class discussion. The reading age for this book is 8 - 11, so I would read this to my intermediate elementary students.

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

On June 16, 1976, Hector Pieterson, an ordinary boy, lost his life after getting caught up in what was supposed to be a peaceful protest. Black South African students were marching against a new law requiring that they be taught half of their subjects inAfrikaans, the language of the White government. The story's events unfold from the perspectives of Hector, his sister, and the photographer who captured their photo in the chaos. This book can serve as a pertinent tool for adults discussing global history and race relations with children. Its graphic novel style and mixed media art portray the vibrancy and grit of Hector's daily life and untimely death. Heartbreaking yet relevant, this powerful story gives voice to an ordinary boy and sheds light on events that helped lead to the end of apartheid.

[Faith Mundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sensitive and accurate story of Hector Pieterson, the boy in the iconic photograph by Sam Nzima who lost his life in a peaceful protest. This is a very sad story that filled my eyes with tears very fast. There is a sad reality that kids can get caught in bad situations and bad timing, just like anyone else. This book is able to provide information about apartheid in South Africa impacting students, something in the united states that aren't taught. I shamefully never knew about this until reading the book. This book provides three different perspectives which allow kids to gain empathy. Racism, history, protest, and the power of photojournalism are all huge in this book! This is a powerful and important book a child can read and cause their minds to wander. Actually, any age group can read this book and learn something new.

[Sarah Esh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affecting and powerful, Adrienne Wright uses her art and research to recount a vital though tragic moment during apartheid as an accessible way to teach students of South Africa's history.

I read this for a professional development class, and I was a little surprised that it was such a short picture book/graphic novel. However, I was moved by the storytelling that shined a light on an incident I was not aware of. Wright's choice to shift perspectives among Hector Zolile Pieterson, his older sister Antoinette Sithole, and the photographer Sam Nzima creates tension in the story and highlights how vital it is to know the whole story of a photograph.

This is an excellent addition to a classroom library and to teach students about how young people can be catalysts for change, even though they can also be victims of political violence.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about a young boy and a student protest that played a large role in the apartheid in South Africa. This was a compelling and emotional story told from three perspectives - Hector, his older sister, and the photographer who took the photograph of Hector being carried from the streets.

Highly recommended for upper elementary school and up. This is a children's book, but it is not for the youngest readers out there because of the photograph and subject matter. I could see this being used in a classroom studying the apartheid or the impact of photography and/or protests toward social change.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not an expert on Apartheid or South Africa in general, but I feel like I understand some part of it now that I wasn't aware of before. This story is heartbreaking, and yet important. I was a very impressed with the presentation. I feel like introducing Hector beforehand was essential to making readers feel more deeply about what happened to him. Telling the story from three different points of view was effective as well, since it allowed readers to understand that this event was experienced from several different angles. This book felt important. There was no avoiding that in the reading. Nicely presented and engaging.

[Mikela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a beautiful tribute to such a tragedy. Adrienne Wright does an amazing job of introducing young readers to Soweto culture in South Africa during the 1970's apartheid oppression. By cleverly using the perspectives of three individuals, we see from multiple angles how the ruling government hurts those most vulnerable. Beautifully illustrated is soft tones to contrast the harshness of oppression, this is a powerful nonfiction book that children can engage with in safe place, yet see the realities of an imperfect and unbalanced world.

[Sheri Dillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story about a young boy, Hector, who is growing up in South Africa. He goes to school, plays soccer with his friends, helps out with chores, and is a loving (and well-loved) kid. But one day, Hector is caught up in a peaceful protest that turns deadly, and a photo from that day becomes a symbol that will show the world the racism and violence of apartheid.

A powerful story, beautifully told.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me learn more about this important moment in the history of Apartheid. The week after I read it, I had the fortunate opportunity to visit Johannesburg South Africa where this took place. I was able to spend time in the exact area of the protest march and learned more about Hector and how the end of his life impacted the end of Apartheid. Powerful book and I’m so glad my friend put it on my radar at the perfect time.

[Michelle]

The story of a photograph that was seen around the world: this would be an excellent choice for a reader 3rd-6th grade who is interested in social justice in any country.

Told in three perspectives, it's sensitive enough for a mature elementary school-student -- but the illustrations and text would be best for individual reading or very small groups: it's not laid out for easy classroom reading.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story Hector Pieterson, a Black South African, who was killed on June 16, 1976 in what was supposed to be a peaceful protest of students marching against a new law requiring that they be taught half of their subjects in Afrikaans, the language of the White government. The story’s events unfold from the perspectives of Hector, his sister, and the photographer who captured their photo in the chaos.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An important story, no doubt, of a young boy whose murder during an anti-Afrikaans-in-schools protest and the graphic photograph of his body being carried influenced the anti-apartheid movement as a whole. To me, the story style was a little disjointed and was a bit hard to follow (hence the lower starts) but let me also say this story (and others like it) NEED to be told.