The Story of Nelson Mandela: A Biography Book for New Readers by Floyd Stokes, LHD

The Story of Nelson Mandela is a new addition to the Biography Book for New Readers series from Rockridge Press. 

 

I loved to read biographies when I was a child. I was inspired by the lives of people who contributed to society and the world. I dreamed of growing up to be someone like them. I wish there had been a series like the Biography for New Readers when I was a girl!

The books are written for children aged 6 to 9, grades 1 and 2.

Nelson Mandela's life will inspire young readers. Author Floyd Stokes gives us a hero who is human and imperfect yet dedicated his life to gaining justice for his people, even sacrificing his freedom.

He was born in a mud hut in a small village. He was happy in his life and enjoyed the freedom of the great outdoors. His father was chief in a royal family, but he lost everything when he challenged British law. His father sent him to a Christian school for an education where he was given the name Nelson.

Nelson was sent to live with his wealthy uncle who wanted him to get an education and become a royal advisor.

At university, Nelson became politically active, standing up for student concerns. Expelled from school, Nelson moved to the city and saw first hand how his people were treated. He earned a law degree and in 1942 joined the African National Congress and became an activist for the rights of his people under colonial rule. 

Nelson's fight against Apartheid lead to his imprisonment. When he was finally released, he became South Africa's first African president.

Teaching helps throughout the book include timelines, challenge questions, and pronunciation guides. Questions are poised to help children relate to the story and to judge comprehension.

The series theme is Stories About Dreamers Just Like You, and the books are meant to inspire young people. 

I received a free book through Amazon Vine. My review is fair and unbiased.

See other books in the series by clicking on these links

Harriet Tubman
https://theliteratequilter.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-story-of-harriet-tubman-biography.html

Frida Kahlo
https://theliteratequilter.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-story-of-frida-kahlo-by-susan-b-katz.html

Jane Goodall
https://theliteratequilter.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-story-of-jane-goodall-by-susan-bkatz.html

I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell

I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists From Past and Present by Cerrie Burnell is a beautifully illustrated (Lauren Baldo, artist) anthology that introduces young readers to disabled role models.

Growing up, Cerrie felt the lack of books with disabled protagonists; she was born with one hand. "Representation matters," she writes in the Introduction. She decided to share the stories of her favorite role models.

Readers will learn about famous people, like Beethoven (deafness) or Helen Keller and Stevie Wonder (Blindness).

Beethoven 

Stevie Wonder

And those with mental disabilities, like John Nash (subject of the book and movie A Beautiful Mind) and President Abraham Lincoln (depression).

Illness also creates disability, like Henri Matisse's cancer that caused him to fins a new way of doing art, resulting in some of his most beloved works. 

Henri Matisse

There are people representing those with Down's syndrome, spina bifida, polio victims, those who self-harm, chronic pain, autism, brittle bone disease, transgender, epilepsy, and more.

I was moved by these stories. Burnell's book is for everyone and every age. The wonder of what the human spirit can accomplish is marvelous.

Every library needs this book, for those who feel alienated by their disability, and for those who need to understand that disabled people are not so different, and in fact, may be remarkable.

I received a free book through Amazon Vine in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

I Am Not A Label

by Cerrie Burnell, Lauren Baldo Illus.

Wide Eyed/Quarto

ISBN: 9780711247444

hardcover $14.79

from the publisher

In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 30 artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists with disabilities, from past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences, and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them.

These short biographies tell the stories of people who have faced unique challenges that have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates, and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sports, science, math, art, breakdancing, or the world of pop.

Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable people:

Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox, Peter Dinklage, Wanda Diaz Merced, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Dr Victor Pineda, Farida Bedwei, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Arunima Sinha, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Spingmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Redouan Ait Chitt, Jonas Jacobsson, Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, and Dynamo.

The author & illustrator

Cerrie Burnell is an actress, singer, playwright, author, and former television presenter for CBeebies (2009–2017). She was born with half a right arm and has sought to increase visibility of disabled people through her career in presenting, writing, and acting.

Lauren Baldo is an illustrator based in the Philippines. He has worked as a storyboard artist, comic artist, graphic designer, and children's book illustrator.