Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on July 18th around the world. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in South Africa and spent his life fighting against apartheid, racism and for equal rights for everyone in his country. He spent over 30 years of his life in prison because of his work to end apartheid. After his release from prison in 1990 he worked with South African President, FR de Klerk, to end apartheid. This work won them both the Nobel Peace prize in 1993.
In 1994 all people were allowed to vote for the first time in the South Africa election and Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. In 1999, he stepped down the from world of politics and started the Nelson Mandela Foundation, an organization that works to promote the principals of equality, freedom and peace. A great way to celebrate Nelson Mandela, his perseverance and his work for civil rights is to share a book with your children about his life. Here are a few of our favorites and an interview done on his 90th birthday.
Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson is a beautiful book about his life. This is a great overview of his entire life and the work he did to end apartheid in South Africa. The illustrations are incredible and this book is a recipient of the Coretta Scott King honor award. I would recommend this book to ages 4 and up. You will find a YouTube link of the story below where it is beautifully read by a child.
Granddad Mandela is a beautiful book written by Nelson Mandela’s daughter and his great grandchildren, Zazi and Ziwelene Mandela. In this story Zazi and Ziwelene asking questions about their great grandad’s life to their grandmother. It is a very child friendly way to learn about Nelson’s life as leader and activist for civil rights in South Africa. I would recommend this book to ages 4 and up.
Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom is the official picture-book edition of Nelson Mandela’s bestselling autobiography. This book was abridged by Chris Van Wyk and beautifully illustrated by Paddy Bouma. It is a kid friendly version of his autobiography and covers his entire life. This book would be great for children ages 6 and up.
This book from the Who Was..? series is all about Nelson Mandela and his life. This book is perfect for children ages 8 and up to read on their own.
From the publisher: “As a child he dreamt of changing South Africa; as a man he changed the world. Nelson Mandela spent his life battling apartheid and championing a peaceful revolution. He spent twenty-seven years in prison and emerged as the inspiring leader of the new South Africa. He became the country’s first black president and went on to live his dream of change.”
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