From the May issue of School Library Journal:

Gr 8 Up–Mandela’s life and career have captured the imagination of millions, and this biography does nothing to detract from his heroic image. It clearly and logically outlines key events and includes background information that helps readers put historical events in context. Sawyer lays the foundation for Mandela’s later greatness by detailing his early life and his relationship to Jongintaba Dalindyebo, regent for the tribal king. The civil rights leader’s amazing story is told in a way that should prove enjoyable to many readers. Some passages are dense, but frequent quotations and interesting details balance them out. The text is enhanced by black-and-white and color photographs and reproductions. Side passages are integral and fascinating, covering topics from naming customs to “The Seeds of White Rule.” A strong addition to biography collections.

–Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ

SAWYER, Kem Knapp. Nelson Mandela. 176p. (Champion of Freedom Series). map. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2012. PLB $28.95. ISBN 978-1-59935-167-4; ebook $28.95. ISBN 978-1-59935-312-8. LC 2010054478.