Plot Summary
"Troublemaker," that's what his Xhosa name meant. Rolihlahla was the youngest of 13. When he was nine years old his father passed away. Because he was the smartest one in his family, he was sent away to continue his schooling. On the first day of school, his teacher refused to call him Rolihlahla, and gave him the name Nelson instead. Over the years, he studied law, and eventually opened South Africa's first black law firm. The Europeans had conquered South Africa and enforced apartheid. Beaches, theatres, parks and other places were deemed open only to whites. Africans and Indians were segregated and demoted to a lower caste. Nelson used his skills and dedication to justice for all to fight for his people. He formed rallies and spoke out against the government, which was considered illegal. For many years, he lived underground and in various safe houses. Eventually, he was captured and imprisoned for over 27 long years. During his imprisonment, apartheid was abolished, and in 1990, Nelson was released from prison. In 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa.
Critical Analysis
Kadir Nelson beautifully portrays the life of Nelson Mandela (1918-2013). The powerful magnet that draws in the reader is the attention he gives to the factors that made Mandela into the leader that he would later become. Kadir writes in short phrases with a flowing rhythm that leads the audience on the journey of Mandela's life. As thought-provoking as the words of this book are, the portraits of Nelson Mandela and others are without compare. One can see the hurt in Mandela's eyes, the pain of seeing his people suffer, and the unforetold memories of discrimination, imprisonment, and disgrace at the hands of the oppressing government. The picture of Mandela as a young man conveys a sense of steel resolve and tenacity to fight for his beloved people and nation no matter the cost. Kadir uses color to set the mood of the nation. During times of intense persecution, the pictures are dark and shaded intensely. In times of celebration and unity, the pictures are light and uplifting. In the last portrait of Mandela, the feeling of much-anticipated relief is etched through the wrinkles of Mandela's face. Just the picture alone would convey the message of hope on the horizon as Mandela says in part: "Let us continue to fight for justice and walk the last mile to freedom."
Awards
Coretta Scott King Honor Book for Illustrator (2014)
Review Excerpts
"This picture-book biography matches Mandela's outsize achievements with large, powerful images, resulting in a presentation that will seize and hold readers' attention." School Library Journal 1/1/13
"It’s a solid biography in its own right, but thanks to Nelson’s characteristically stunning paintings, it soars." Publisher's Weekly 11/19/12
"With an internationally beloved leader as its subject and a multi-award-winning artist as its creator, this title is sure to be on every library’s must-purchase list." Booklist 9/15/12
Other books by Kadir Nelson
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
I Have a Dream/Martin Luther King, Jr. (illustrator)
Visit his website: www.kadirnelson.com
Book Connections
Long Walk to Freedom/Nelson Mandela abridged by Chris van Wyk
Out of Bounds: Seven Stories of Conflict and Hope by Beverley Naidoo
No More Strangers Now: Young Voices from a New South Africa by Tim McKee
Favorite African Folktales by Nelson Mandela
Connection Activities
- Divide your students into groups and give them each an African folktale to read and enact for the class.
- Ask your students to write a story describing what they would have done if apartheid was forced upon their people.
