World History Biographies: Gandhi: The Young Protestor Who Founded A Nation (National Geographic World History Biographies) [Library Binding]

Philip Wilkinson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: National Geographic World History Biographies

A shy, serious boy, Mahatma Gandhi would later lead India to nationhood and change the course of history. After studying law in London, he championed Indian rights in South Africa for two decades. He returned to India in 1914, leading a campaign of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience against British rule. Philip Wilkinson's lively narrative takes us through his remarkable life, up to India's independence in 1947, and the tragic conclusion; in 1948 Gandhi was assassinated by a fanatic opposed to his program of tolerance for all creeds and religions.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. A well-rounded selection of archival photographs and other images illustrate this title in the World History Biographies series. Double-page spreads describe phases in Gandhi's life, from childhood to his tragic death, detailed in Wilkinson's straightforward, succinct language and in anecdotes, which will capture young people's attention and also humanize the great leader: as a young lawyer, for example, Gandhi was too shy to speak in courtrooms. Some spreads offer background on related subjects, such as the roots of Indian-British confrontations. Maps and photographs of Indian locations and a time line (running in a banner along the bottom of most pages) give further context, and a bibliography and a glossary conclude. A fine starting place for reports about Gandhi and Indian history, this book is also concise and lively enough to inspire young people's personal interest. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"A fine starting place for reports about Gandhi and Indian history, this book is also concise and lively enough to inspire young people's personal interest." —Booklist

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792236483
• ISBN-13: 978-0792236481
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.5 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,644,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What would Gandhi do?, September 28, 2008

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This review is from: World History Biographies: Gandhi: The Young Protester Who Founded a Nation (National Geographic World History Biographies) (Paperback)

I ordered this little book for my sixth grader son - he is working on a school project on his favorite personality. I am pleased to state that he knows more about Gandhi and he has a better understanding of what Gandhi's life was about after reading the book than he had before. We had a discussion on the topic and he proved it to me.

The Gandhi's life narrative is placed within some context with lots of illustrations and there is a 'chronology' that runs at the bottom of each page, placing the events in Gandhi's life within the context of other important world events. The narration is very much chronological. Someone could complain that this biography is a bit superficial but, let's not forget that the target is the 9-12 year olds. On the positive side, the narration of Gandhi's life story appears to be quite factual and objective with little if any ideological bias.

Overall, after reading the book myself, I find it to be adequate for the targeted age group. The many references to 'strange' customs and religions, exotic locales, unfamiliar historical events might arouse a young student's curiosity and motivate him/her to learn more.

The book earns 5 stars for the factual/unbiased presentation, clear narrative, beautiful and to-the-point illustrations and the relatively high quality of materials (heavy, glossy paper).