- Jan 31, 2022
Nelson Mandela's Hope for His Nation
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Eerdmanns Books for Young Readers
(pub.3.30.2021) 48 pages
Author: Lindsey McDivitt
Illustrator: Charly Palmer
Character: Nelson Mandela
Overview: "As Nelson Mandela lived and worked under the unjust system of apartheid, his desire for freedom grew. South Africa separated people by races, oppressing the country’s non-white citizens with abusive laws and cruel restrictions. Every day filled Mandela with grief and anger. But he also had hope—hope for a nation that belonged to everyone who lived in it.
From his work with the African National Congress, to his imprisonment on Robben Island, to his extraordinary rise to the presidency, Nelson Mandela was a rallying force against injustice. This stirring biography explores Mandela’s long fight for equality and the courage that propelled him through decades of struggle. Illustrated in the bold, bright colors of South Africa, A Plan for the People captures the spirit of a leader beloved around the world."
Tantalizing taste:
"Mandela covered fear with confidence. Courage. And calm.
...Mandela and his friends readied themselves to be the leaders their nation needed. This required news from the world outside prison. Sneaking newspapers from the trash heap when guards looked away, they shared all the information they could. Whispered across locked cells. Written in invisible ink made with milk. Delivered in tiny notes."
And something more: Charly Palmer shared in the Illustrator's Note: "Everywhere you go, you'll run into people disillusioned with politics and activists. But I believe that President Mandela was sincere and genuine in his desires for his people. We are often in the presence of greatness, and we're not even aware of it. Our elders may be traumatized by their experiences, or they may dismiss their stories as not being relevant or important. But their experiences have helped us be where we are. We're always standing on the shoulders of giants - giants like Nelson Mandela."
- Jan 27, 2022
Updated: Feb 25, 2022
"The illustrations and the color in this book by Loveis Wise are phenomenal. The images really reflect the style and artistry of Alma Thomas.
"The colors, the style, the bold and vibrant strokes are really eye-catching, memorable and have a strong understanding of the use of color. You get a sense of Alma Thomas's style and art from the book. The art just makes the story come alive and seem full of joy and imagination. The story itself I feel is an important one from kids. It gives Alma's history and struggles and then her striving to not settle. She was determined to pave her own life and break barriers. She creates art that's bold, beautiful and bright. I also liked that Thomas encouraged art with others. This is an inspiring tale that will encourage kids to reach for their dreams and not be afraid to use their imaginations to create art.
"I felt like this book was really put together nicely between the art and the text. It's something that easily could be read at homes, schools, and the classrooms.
"And teachers and parents could have children create art with bold colors as a supplement activity. This book is just beautifully done. I highly recommend checking it out. It's something that you will want to share with your kids and others."
- Jan 26, 2022
"This is the wonderful story of how one child's experience of the world surrounding, turned into a lifetime of beauty beheld, and eventually shared with the world.
"The thing I love most about Picture Book biographical stories is that you really get to the heart of things. Yes, they are short on details, but they convey some of the most important moments, the most remarkable discoveries, and the most powerful messages...as seen here. Alma Thomas accomplished two things never before done by a Black woman, and made her mark in history without ever setting out to do that exact thing. She simply was. She soaked up the things she went through, sorted out the bad from the good, shone her own inner light on those captured images, and later in life blessed the world with her interpretations of those times. It's wonderful to see those simple moments brought to life...ablaze with color.
"An inspiring work filled with a story to remember, and images that come to life right off the page.
"This book is one I can easily see in the classroom setting as well as in family rooms setting the tone for the next generations moments of greatness."
