Gandhi, Great Soul

Severance's (Winston Churchill: Soldier, Statesman, Artist) thorough biography is a gold mine for middle schoolers researching Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1947) or India's struggle to win independence from British rule. Not only does Severance follow Gandhi closely for his 79 years on three continents, he takes care to target to his audience his explanations of the caste system, satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) and the deep-seated conflicts among Muslims, Hindus and the British. The sheer inclusiveness may prove daunting to the more casual reader; however, those who persevere will discover that the brisk narrative delivers surprises and rewards. Severance provides an account of Gandhi's less than saintly youth, and peppers his chronicle with some ironic facts: for example, Gandhi's wife, Kasturba, remained illiterate for her entire 62 years with this uncommonly learned man; as a new lawyer Gandhi became tongue-tied at his first trial and returned his client's money; and, sadly, it was a bullet from the gun of another Hindu that ended his life. The numerous period photographs include one of a jail that Gandhi once cited to British authorities as his home address. Severance leaves readers with a strong understanding of the Mahatma's (Sanskrit for ""Great Soul"") accomplishments and of his influence on such leaders as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. Ages 10-up. (Mar.)