Nelson Mandela: ""No Easy Walk to Freedom"": A Biography

This vivid and swiftly paced biography takes its title from a 1953 speech by Mandela, in which he reminded black South Africans that the struggles to end apartheid will be long and difficult. Denenberg's inspirational tone grabs and holds readers as he steadily leads them through the thicket of details that comprise Mandela's life, over half of which was spent behind bars. Well-chosen emblematic quotes from Mandela's speeches and writings are effectively woven into the narrative; they give a human face and a sense of moral immediacy to the critical condition of blacks in South Africa. The author also delineates Mandela's evolving views on nonviolent and violent political struggles. This engrossing book presents strong background information on one of today's most pressing issues--apartheid. Ages 8-14. (Feb.)