Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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).