Nelson Mandela: A Hero for Democracy (Great Lives) - Softcover

Stefoff, Rebecca

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0449905705 ISBN 13: 9780449905708

Publisher: Fawcett Books, 1990

Synopsis

Tells the story of the South African human rights activist, recently released after twenty-seven years in prison, and his life-long struggles.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

20th century's most dynamic and fascinating history makers. These inspiring life stories pay tribute to the character, determination, and personal courage of heroes who have made a difference in all our lives.

Nelson Mandela

Hero for Democracy

The son of a tribal chief, Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting against apartheid for his people's freedom -- despite the fact he spent twenty-seven years behind bars. But on a bright afternoon in February 1990, Mandela walked through the gates of prison and stepped onto the world stage, committed to lead South Africans of all races from tyranny to real democracy.

This is the moving story of Mandela's life, as well as a gripping portrait of South Africa and its remarkable transformation. Yet democracy did not happen overnight, and this volume chronicles Mandela's grueling negotiations with then-president de Klerk as they worked to hammer out the country's constitution, the vehement resistance by the r

Reviews

The Great Lives series has established itself as a line of reliable, informative, clearly written and reasonably-priced biographies. Stefoff's entry is a swiftly-paced narrative that expertly combines the modern political and social history of South Africa and apartheid with the life of the 20th century's most celebrated political prisoner. Mandela's childhood and education, the origins of his personal philosophy and his growing activism when faced with the brutal realities of South African life are all explored. After reading this involving biography, middle school and junior high readers can more easily begin to comprehend the complex challenges facing both South Africa and the world, and can see apartheid's evils through the eyes of Mandela--a flesh-and-blood hero who comes to life on these pages. Ages 11-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5-8. Stefoff's 1990 biography in the Great Lives series has been updated in this revised edition to include the recent cataclysmic events leading up to Mandela's election as president of a new multiracial South Africa. The cover drawing isn't very good, but this inexpensive paperback will attract middle-schoolers who want to read about the prominent leader and the movement from apartheid to democracy, and who aren't yet ready for his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. Hazel Rochman

Edition details

• Publisher: Fawcett Books
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0449905705
• ISBN 13: 9780449905708
• Binding: Paperback