Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

DK Life Stories Nelson Mandela

Rate this book
In this kids biography, discover the inspiring story of Nelson Mandela, who became the first black president of South Africa after spending 27 years in prison. In 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to a lifetime in jail. His crime? Attempting to overthrow a government that openly discriminated against its black citizens. After spending 27 years behind bars, Mandela was released, allowing him to continue his struggle for equality in South Africa-and to become the country's first black president. In this biography book for kids ages 8-11, learn all about Mandela's incredible life, his fight against apartheid, and how he helped bring peace to his nation. This new biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting people. Full-colour photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement thoughtfully written, age-appropriate text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, maps, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes this the one biography series everyone will want to collect. Each book also includes an author's introduction letter, a glossary, and an index.

128 pages, Hardcover

Published July 4, 2019

8 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Stephen Krensky

342 books44 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
28 (43%)
4 stars
27 (41%)
3 stars
10 (15%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi.
672 reviews23 followers
August 21, 2022
It was a good summary of the important events in his life. It had several quotes from his book "Long Walk for Freedom". I really liked this quote: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
Profile Image for David.
995 reviews167 followers
September 23, 2020
Lots of great information about the entire life and legacy of Madiba. I like the later-years material about supporting Rugby, "Kick Polio Out of Africa" campaign, AIDS activist, Member of Elders with world leaders for human rights. There are lots of 'side-panels' throughout the book - with one near the end about a "Madiba Shirt" (I own one). I would like to have an entire collection of his shirts!

"Nelson Mandela believed that people, whatever their faults, are capable of doing better. Nelson, and the people that he guided, brought freedom and fairness to South Africa and set an example for peace that has inspired others all over the world."

Technically, a book found on the kid's shelf in the library, but excellent reading for adults too.

Appendix:
- Family Tree
- Timeline
- 12 question quiz
- Who's Who (nice reminder of the key figures in the book)
- Glossary
- Index
Profile Image for Jessica Walsh-Frazier.
18 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2025
Excellent youth biography! This included resources in the back of the book that helped explain the timeline, other political figures, and important terms.
Profile Image for Alli Tripp.
408 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2022
A solid history of Mandela and the highlights of his life and social justice activities, I did tear up a few times, very moving story
Profile Image for Heidi.
898 reviews
July 30, 2020
Another biography as part of our racism unit study...
Profile Image for Bui Bao Ngan.
33 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2025
It produces good information about Nelson Mandela and South African history.

There are many pictures and drawings, the pages are well designed.

Two things occuring in my mind while reading:
1. The content: his life, how he and his fellows changed their country and influenced the whole world.
2. This page is so beautifullllllllll
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.