From School Library Journal
Grade 7 & Up--"A one-man lobby for the public," "the nation's nag," and "the Public Citizen" are all terms that have been used to describe this remarkable person. His 2000 campaign as the Green Party's candidate for president added the label "the Spoiler." From his childhood in a family that valued freedom and responsibility through his forays into politics, Bowen's account traces the life of a tireless champion of consumer, environmental, and human rights. The author includes details that will appeal to young readers, such as Nader's enthusiasm for hitchhiking in order to meet and talk to different types of people. She enlivens the facts about Nader's campaigns for consumer safety and brings the man to life. Especially significant is the discussion of the years between 1990 and 2000, which include his presidential campaigns. The biography is enhanced with black-and-white photographs of Nader, his family, and other key individuals in his causes. A worthwhile addition.
Elizabeth Stumpf, Clearfield Middle School, PA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 6-10. Since the 1970s, Ralph Nader has been an outspokenadvocate for issues of human rights, the environment, and theconsumer. He has exposed dangers in automobile design, organized"Nader's Raiders" to combat abuses of corporate power, and mostrecently was a grassroots candidate for the presidency. Bowen clearlyadmires her subject, and she examines Nader's life as an extension ofchildhood lessons he learned from his immigrant father, Nathra, aboutthe meaning of the American dream; a collection of Nathra Nader's wisesayings constitute an affecting appendix. Much of the personalinformation comes from revealing interviews with Nader's sister. Abrief bibliography contains adult titles and pertinent Web sites;there are also detailed chapter notes. Young people researchingthird-party movements, activism, consumer rights, or the role ofLebanese Americans will find this clearly written, well-documentedbiography an informative resource. Catherine Andronik
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