Book Discussion Guide

Nelson Mandela by Nelson Kadir

Nelson Mandela

From the book cover to the bibliography, Kadir Nelson illuminates the life of a great historical figure, Nelson Mandela. This captivating biography shows the journey of an African man committed to defending the defenseless and creating equality for all. Your family will be stunned by the life like paintings, which reveal South Africa’s struggle to achieve equality, and display the joy felt when apartheid finally ended. Together, you will learn about Nelson Mandela’s lifetime of sacrifice, and celebrate when he is selected to be a South African leader. Through reading this book, you and your child will develop deep respect for this inspiring world leader.

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Questions To Talk About
While Reading

Vocabulary

It's important to make sure that your child has an understanding of key words in the book. Talking about words while reading is a great way for your child to learn new words.

In this book, you might talk about these words:

  • conquered (pg. 6)
  • defend (pg. 7)
  • apartheid (pg. 9)
  • vowed (pg. 17)
  • discrimination (pg. 19)
  • renewed (pg. 22)
  • comrades (pg. 28)

You might use a question like:

What is apartheid? How do the words and images on pages 9-10 help you understand this word?

Key Ideas and Themes

In addition to words, it's important to talk about key ideas and themes and how they develop over the course of the book.

Here are some examples to get you started:

  • 1

    The author uses the phrase “ancestors in the sky?” Point out this phrase to your child as it is used throughout the book. Talk about the meaning of the phrase and how it is developed each time it’s used.

  • 2

    What do you notice about the way Kadir Nelson shows Nelson Mandela in the images throughout the book?

  • 3

    What led to Africans becoming powerless in South Africa? Ask your child to use the details in italics on pages 5-6 to explain this in their own words.

  • 4

    What do you think inspired Nelson to become a lawyer and “defend those who could not defend themselves?” Review the pages before this quote on page 7 with your child, looking for details from his early life that may have caused him to fight for justice.

  • 5

    What do you feel as a reader on pages 17-18? What does Kadir Nelson do in the illustrations and in the words to make you feel this way?

  • 6

    Travelling was an important aspect of Mandela’s life. Talk about why he chose to go to other countries. Talk about the positive and negative consequences of his travels with your child, by asking, “What good things happened after his visits? How did his travels inspire him and others? What bad things happened as a result?" Use the biography on the last page to help your child point out the negative consequences.

  • 7

    What was the author’s purpose in writing this picture book? What is his central message about Nelson Mandela? Be sure to read the last two pages together to support your discussion, which provides a more extensive biography of Mandela.

Extra Activities

  • 1

    Read aloud a newspaper article to your child or watch a news clip together reporting Nelson Mandela’s death in 2013. (Here’s one kid friendly version: https://newsela.com/articles/mandela-obit/id/2103/) Ask your child to use details from the picture book to explain what led Nelson Mandela to become such a respected and beloved leader.

  • 2

    Nelson Mandela’s wife, Graca Machel was constantly seen at her husband’s side, supporting him in his efforts. Together, look through these images of her here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/graca-machel-nelson-mandelas-wifehas-her-own-unique-story/2013/07/06/2939484e-e5b5-11e2-80eb- 3145e2994a55_gallery.html. Ask your child to point out evidence from the images of Graca Machel’s support. What are some different ways she supported her husband?