Learning About Forgiveness from the Life of Nelson Mandela

A Character Building Book

by Jeanne Strazzabosco

A brief biography of the South African civil rights worker and president who serves as an example of forgiveness

24 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Nicole Marzan]

Learning about Forgiveness from the Life of Nelson Mandela is about the later life of Nelson Mandela and mainly focuses on his fight against apartheid. The book gives information on Mandela's battle for equality very concisely. Each page has a subheading that previews what information will be on the page.

This book would be really good for a student doing a project as it gives a lot of information in an easy-to-read way. There is also a glossary and index provided, making this book a really great informational book. I liked how the book had real-life photographs as well.

[Shelli]

Typically when a book’s material has become out dated I rate it one star less and put a note saying “this may not be the best choice to order for a classroom or library” because there is, more likely than not, a more current resource available. This one however was done so well that I would still recommend it for purchase. Hopefully Jeanne Strazzabosco will publish an updated version at some point since she so beautifully captured the spirit of forgiveness and moving forward that I have not seen in other similar sized books for young readers about Mandela.

[Sally]

On balance, the greater focus in this book is on the injustice, rightfully and truthfully so. Very little focus on Mandela's forgiving approach to the rebuilding of South Africa. If using this with kids, I would supplement with material that expands the nonviolence-as-peace tool.