Gandhi [Hardcover]

Leonard Everett Fisher (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

An introduction to the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi describes his refusal to meet violence with violence during his peaceful resistance campaign, a decision that eventually leads to India's freedom from tyrannical British rule.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-It is not an easy task to distill the life of so complex and significant a man and make it accessible to young readers. Fisher has succeeded quite admirably, offering some insight into the main factors that propelled the shy, British-educated lawyer into the role of spokesperson against injustice. A brief overview of the social and political climate of India under British rule sets the stage for the narrative, which flows comfortably as the story traces Gandhi's arranged marriage at 13, his education, his move to South Africa, and how he came to be called Mahatma (Great Soul). Perhaps the most difficult concept for children to grasp, Gandhi's firm, enduring belief in nonviolent resistance, is clearly explained and demonstrated. The text concludes with the end of British colonial rule of India. In a brief afterword, Fisher describes the events leading to Gandhi's assassination and notes the powerful influence he had on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Considering the subject, the author's tone is surprisingly uninspiring, and neither Gandhi nor his wife emerge as substantive personalities. However, excerpts from Gandhi's writings add a needed measure of depth to the story. Fisher's hallmark, stark black-and-white paintings complement the narrative and give texture and character to the work. A map of the Indian Ocean area highlights the major cities pertinent to the subject's life and provides readers with some geographic context. A solid undertaking.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-7. In a picture book for older children, Fisher continues his notable series of biographies, which have included Marie Curie and Gutenberg. As with other of Fisher's books, it is the powerful black-and-white pictures in his signature solid style that grab the imagination, from the pensive portrait of Gandhi on the jacket to the final picture of Gandhi draped in a loincloth, surrounded by others who struggled for India's independence. Surprisingly, Fisher chooses to focus, not on that fight, but on Gandhi's earlier role as a champion of Indian rights in South Africa. This lesser-known aspect of Gandhi's life has its own drama, but those looking for more complete information on the Mahatma's final fight will have to find it elsewhere. A handsome alternative to more conventional looks at Gandhi's life. Ilene Cooper

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum; 1st edition (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689803370
• ISBN-13: 978-0689803376
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,116,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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