This book is a bit longer than one I'd like to use in a read-aloud or something to inform my students about a topic, but I would definitely maybe split it up into days and really break it down. The book takes us all the way from childhood, through the years Nelson was imprisoned, and straight into his presidency. I loved the timeline that the author displayed and think that the book was organized very well. ( )

This book was a great brief biography of the life of Nelson Mandela. The story summarized Mandela's social triumphs, achievements, and protests he participated in that were so influential they are still mentioned to this day. Children that were born in the 90's and after may have only heard Nelson's name and never knew his story. McDonough did a wonderful job of summarizing his story in 40 pages that were accompanied by the great paintings of Malcah Zeldis ( )

Peaceful Protest: The Life of Nelson Mandela is a colorful biography of one of modern history's heroes. This text is a good example of words and pictures working together; while the illustrations appear crude and childlike at first glance, they give the reader a vivid representation of South African culture and history. The book is categorized for ages six through ten, and serves as a solid introduction to an important figure in South Africa's history. While I would not use it in my own class library, I can see it as an essential part of an elementary classroom's library. I imagine many students would pick it up for the same reason I did - the bright colors on the cover - and would be equally as impressed by one man's journey from obscurity to heroism.

The author, Yona Zeldis McDonough, is known for writing other children's books on historical figures, mostly women. The illustrator, Malcah Zeldis, is the author's mother and has illustrated a variety of other biographies. The close relationship between the author and illustrator imply collaboration; I assume that they were able to work closely together on what they wanted the book to communicate. The pages are a little text-heavy for young readers to read on their own, but engaging enough that younger children could be read to. In the back are additional helpful resources: one, a chronology that outlines the major events in Mandel's life; two, a bibliography that shows the writer's research and gives credibility to the text; and three, a pronunciation guide to help with particularly difficult words. Overall I would recommend this book to parents and educators of young elementary students in need of exposure to significant historical figures. ( )

Nelson Mandela stood up for what he knew was right. He wanted equality for all people and although he faced many obstacles, he never stopped working towards his goal. This book is loaded with great information of his life. It would be great to use to teach children of Nelson Mandela, equality, and persistence. ( )

I enjoyed reading the children’s book Peaceful Protest: The Life of Nelson Mandela. The big idea throughout the story is you must stand up for your beliefs and wishes throughout your life, even if you hit a time where it is a hard thing to do. My favorite part of this children’s book is the illustrations. On each page they had bright colors and really caught the readers attention. I believe the illustrator did an awesome job with the drawings because even though he has to match the illustrations with such terrible events occurring throughout the story. For example, on the page where it talks about how he has to have a passbook to work in other areas. Without the passbook he could be thrown in jail. This is a sad moment occurring in the story but the picture is bright and colorful to look more exciting but still has so much meaning behind it. The writing in Peaceful Protest is organized and flows well from the beginning to the end of the story. This is important because to tell a biography well you must tell the story from start to finish without mixing up the time it occurred. For example, he started out attending school, and then moving around taking his passbook, next put in jail and finally after 27 years, he was released as a free man. He continued to have his spirit and “make his mark upon his country” all the years he lived in jail. ( )