Sawyer, Kem Knapp. Nelson Mandela.

Sawyer, Kem Knapp.  Nelson Mandela.  Morgan Reynolds  176p  $28.95      978-1-59935-167-4 ms/hs Series: Champion of Freedom (Morgan Reynolds) E-BNS Biography  

After spending 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela went on to become the first president of democratic South Africa, as well as winning the Nobel Peace Prize.  This biography chronicles his life from his boyhood to his post-presidential work.        Densely packed with information and profusely illustrated with historical photos, this well-written biography of Nelson Mandela makes the freedom fighter and Nobel Prize winner’s life accessible to upper middle-school and high-school readers.  The tone is never preachy, even though some information-packed passages come off a trifle dry.  It is apparent from the copious chapter notes and bibliographical references that a great deal of research went into the creation of this biography.  It may be the most complete biographical work about Mandela for this age group. 

“Seeds of White Rule” sets the stage for apartheid, and gives the context for Mandela’s youth and college days.  All the important people in his life are highlighted, even to the present day, with his third marriage and current social activism.  The events leading up to his imprisonment are detailed, as well as the way the South African government was shaped after his release. 

A timeline and comprehensive index complete this excellent biography.  This volume is part of the Champion of Freedom series.  There are four volumes in the series at this time, and its focus is to profile the lives of courageous individuals.  Other titles include Bonhoeffer, Gandhi and Kyi.            The series is highly recommended for upper middle-school and high-school history and biography collections.  This highly readable biography will appeal to both browsers and researchers.                                                                                                           -- Pat Naismith           

O’Keefe, Sherry. Aung San Suu Kyi.

O’Keefe, Sherry.  Aung San Suu Kyi.  Morgan Reynolds        160p  $28.95  978-1-59935-168-1           hs    Series Champion of Freedom (Morgan Reynolds)   E-BN

           

Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her efforts to free her country, Burma (Myanmar), from oppressive rule.  Suu Kyi, whose father was known as the father of Burma and who was assassinated for his beliefs, grew up in Burma and India.  She attended Oxford and New York University and had traveled the world when her mother took ill.  Returning to Burma in 1988 to care for her mother, she was appalled at the living conditions of the typical Burmese citizen. She met with friends of her deceased father and set up an opposition party to fight for reform.  She was placed under house arrest in 1989 for fifteen years, but her political clout continued to grow.  

This is a caring, compassionate biography that has surprising depth given the minimal number of pages.  The reader is shown the background politics of Burma (Myanmar), its struggles in contemporary times, and the bravery of Suu Kyi in opposing a powerful government in hopes that her efforts would provide a better life for Burmese citizens.  Separated from her own husband and children during her house arrest under less than comfortable circumstances, she showed her firmness of conviction that Burma is worth fighting for and her desire to see a more democratic form of rule.  This would be an excellent choice for feminist collections, as well as a solid start for researchers of political dissent and the political history of Burma.  A list of primary internet sources, references for further reading, chapter notes, a timeline and an index complete the book.  It is suitable for students in grades 8-12.

The series Champion of Freedom is comprised of biographies of four individuals who believed in fighting for a cause. Each of the books includes excellent photographs, a timeline, chapter notes and an index giving solid information on political dissenters in the 20th and 21st centuries.                                                      -- Lois McNicol

Martin, Michael J. Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Martin, Michael J.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Morgan Reynolds  144p  $28.95 978-1-59935-169-2   ms/hs     Series: Champion of Freedom (Morgan Reynolds) VG-BNS    Biography  

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a 20th century martyr, may not be a familiar historical figure to readers.  He was a rising theologian in Nazi Germany who became one of Christianity’s most influential personalities of that era.  A pastor, writer, and lecturer, Bonhoeffer was determined to fight the Nazis’ anti-Christian policies, joining the Resistance and becoming a double agent.  When his cover was eventually compromised, Bonhoeffer was executed as an enemy of the state, just days before World War II ended.

The paradox of a German Lutheran pastor integrally involved in several plots to assassinate Adolf Hitler makes fascinating reading.  Without becoming didactic, Martin describes the evolution of a man who was considered by many of his contemporaries to be the epitome of a great Christian, and Bonhoeffer’s struggle with justifying his Christian beliefs and national loyalty in the face of the Nazi regime’s policies and practices.  "If you board the wrong train," he warned, "it is no use running along the corridor in the opposite direction."

From the time of his youth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer strove to discern God’s will in his life.  He lived a life of action in which he modeled his faith by living by his ideals.  Set in the historical and political context of the rise of the Holocaust, Martin’s well-researched text provides a seamless presentation of complex issues.

The series Champion of Freedom focuses on individuals who dedicated their lives to fighting for freedom and democracy, providing in-depth coverage of each subject, along with a balanced discussion of historical and political issues that he or she fought.                   --Hilary Welliver