Heroes - Lives to Learn From
April
April
Forgiveness Graciousness & Courtesy Gentleness & Humility
Forgiveness - Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)
The first black President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela had led the struggle to end apartheid in white-dominated South Africa. After years of activism and armed resistance to the white Afrikaner regime, Mandela was imprisoned. He spent 27 years behind bars (1963-1990) but time and justice were ultimately on his side. Released in 1990, he continued to lead negotiations for a multi-racial democracy, and eventually won the presidency. He was distinguished by his refusal to hate and his insistence on human dignity, reconciliation and "the politics of forgiveness."
Mandela led by example, building an unlikely friendship with his jailer. The story of his relationship with his prison guard of nearly three decades is a prime example of forgiveness in action. So too were his many national policies that encouraged forgiveness and reconciliation. He warned those who nurtured justifiable resentment that "resentment is like drinking poison, and hoping it will kill your enemies." The 2009 film Invictus popularized the true story of Mandela’s efforts to promote reconciliation through rugby. Here are some fine children’s treatments and one outstanding adult volume.
The first black President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela had led the struggle to end apartheid in white-dominated South Africa. After years of activism and armed resistance to the white Afrikaner regime, Mandela was imprisoned. He spent 27 years behind bars (1963-1990) but time and justice were ultimately on his side. Released in 1990, he continued to lead negotiations for a multi-racial democracy, and eventually won the presidency. He was distinguished by his refusal to hate and his insistence on human dignity, reconciliation and "the politics of forgiveness."
Mandela led by example, building an unlikely friendship with his jailer. The story of his relationship with his prison guard of nearly three decades is a prime example of forgiveness in action. So too were his many national policies that encouraged forgiveness and reconciliation. He warned those who nurtured justifiable resentment that "resentment is like drinking poison, and hoping it will kill your enemies." The 2009 film Invictus popularized the true story of Mandela’s efforts to promote reconciliation through rugby. Here are some fine children’s treatments and one outstanding adult volume.
Grandad Mandela. Ambassador Zindzi Mandela. Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2018.(K-2)
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Nelson Mandela. (Rookie Biographies) Karima Grant.
Scholastic, 2005. (K-3) A fine introduction and overview for young children. |
Nelson Mandela. Long Walk to Freedom. Abridged by Chris Van Wyk.
Illustrated by Paddy Bouma. Flash Point, 2009. (2-4)
This is an abridged and simplified picture book version of Mandela’s own autobiography by the same name. Its length (64 pages) makes it appropriate for second graders and older.
Illustrated by Paddy Bouma. Flash Point, 2009. (2-4)
This is an abridged and simplified picture book version of Mandela’s own autobiography by the same name. Its length (64 pages) makes it appropriate for second graders and older.
Who was Nelson Mandela? Pam Pollack. Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi. Penguin Workshop, 2014 (3-6)
“Nelson Mandela,” in Character is Destiny. John McCain with Mark Salter.
Random House, 2005, pp. 168-175. (Forgiveness, 5-6) This compelling short biography of Nelson Mandela chronicles the unlikely friendship of James Gregory, South African jailer and his prisoner, Mandela. Here is the moving story of “the prisoner who forgave his jailer and helped his countrymen forgive one another.” Because of potentially disturbing descriptions of prisoner abuse, this story is recommended for middle school and up. |
Nelson Mandela: From Prisoner to President. Suzy Capozi. Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell. Random House, 2016(2-4)
Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation.
John Carlin. Penguin Press, 2008. 288 pgs,(Strong middle school readers and up). This book is the riveting non-fiction account that inspired the 2009 movie Invictus(starring Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as the Springbok rugby coach). Strong middle and high school readers (and their teachers) will find this compelling story both inspirational and instructive. Not only is Mandela able to forgive his jailers, but he is able to transform hatred and antagonism into a source of national unity. |
Tree Shaker: The Life of Nelson Mandela. Bill Keller. Square Fish, 2013. (5-6)
Graciousness and Courtesy - Fred Rogers (1928-2003)
Could anyone epitomize graciousness and courtesy more fully than Fred Rogers? Creator and host of the long-running children's television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968-2001), Fred Rogers was a daily inspiration to generations of children and parents. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Rogers decided to go into television in 1951 because after viewing it (as he told CNN) "I hated it so, and I thought there's someway of using this fabulous instrument to nurture those who would watch and listen." His work over the next six decades modeled treating one's neighbor with courtesy, dignity, kindness, and empathy. But more important, Fred's ready smile, his slow pace, and thoughtful manner of interaction said: "You are worthy of love, respect, and devotion. I like you just the way you are." And that's what graciousness is all about: not impeccable manners and proper demeanor, but sincere willingness to marvel at the unique wonder of the other. Whether "the other" is a timid tiger, an imperious King, a blind artist or any number of other unlikely guests. Mr. Rogers had a lot to teach children about how to recognize and express their feelings, how to live truthfully and gratefully, and as he sang at the end of every show, how to "wake up ready to say, I think I'll make a snappy new day," but his greatest gift was his graciousness: his ability to reassure all who came in contact with him that he or she had made that day special, simply by being who they are.
You Are My Friend. Aimee Reid. Illustrated by Matt Phelan. Harry N. Abrams, 2019. (K-3)
This charming picture book takes us back to Fred Rogers' youth when he was bullied (for being fat), learned to play the piano, and was supported by those who urged him to see the best in life. We follow him as he grew into the kind man he became. Lovely watercolor illustrations. 
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mr. Rogers. Fred Rogers. Illustrated by Luke Flowers. Quirk Books, 2019. (1-3) When Mr. Rogers testified before a Senate Committee in 1969, he recited the poetic lyrics of one of his classic songs ("What do I do with the mad inside me?") and he got funding for his program. Here gathered are 75 sets of lyrics from his most famous songs, each urging caring, self-respect, and the infinite lovability of the human person.
The Story of Fred Rogers: A Biography Book for New Readers. Susan B. Katz. Rockridge Press, 2020.(1-4)
This is a 7 chapter read-aloud rather than a morning circle picture book, but the text is charming and rich: it can be read aloud to children in the early grades. Fred, from an early age, had a heart for others -- supportive of the fact that his parents took in an African American orphan when he was eleven. The two children became close and were close through life. The book charts his work as a young adult starting in television. Fred consistently sought ways to build bridges to others -- all reflected in his life's work of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. |
Hello Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mr. Rogers. Matthew Cordell. Neal Porter Books, 2020. (1-4)
A surprisingly detailed and wonderfully illustrated picture book biography. The amount of information in expository format makes this lovely work best first grade forward. Captures his kind "Hello, Neighbor!" persona. 
Who Was Mister Rogers? Diane Bailey. Illustrated by Dede Putra. Puffin, 2019. (3-6)
A rich older child's biography of Mr. Rogers -- from his childhood adventures (making of puppets for company), and facing up to the taunting of bullies (for his weight), his appreciation of those who befriended him, his first encounter with TV (he despised the programming) and his Cold War visit to the Soviet Union. Here's a full and moving portrait. |
Gentleness and Humility - Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
Born Mohandas Gandhi, this soft-spoken Indian lawyer turned anti-colonial nationalist, led a non-violent movement of protest to secure India's independence from Great Britain. Gandhi was renowned for his civil rights advocacy (beginning in South Africa), his identification with the poor, his parliamentary work to ameliorate poverty, expand women's rights, end the Hindu caste system's "untouchability," and ultimately ensure India's self-rule. But he was personally renowned for his gentleness, good humor, and courtesy. Gandhi was the embodiment of gentleness, ensuring that even his political opponents felt welcomed in his home. In one famous story, he invited political rival Muhammad Jinnah to his Malabar Hill home in Mumbai for negotiations. Jinnah mentioned that he was suffering from a painful rash on his foot. Gandhi insisted that he take off his sock so he could examine it. Taking the foot in his hand, Gandhi told Jinnah he knew just what it was he and would send a cream to cure it, which he did the next morning. Gandhi's non-violent resistance movement was deeply rooted in his own person. He had fought early battles with his own temper, and urged his children and grandchildren to turn away from anger and toward their opponents with courtesy and understanding. The title "Mahatma" means "great-souled," and is universally applied to him today.
Born Mohandas Gandhi, this soft-spoken Indian lawyer turned anti-colonial nationalist, led a non-violent movement of protest to secure India's independence from Great Britain. Gandhi was renowned for his civil rights advocacy (beginning in South Africa), his identification with the poor, his parliamentary work to ameliorate poverty, expand women's rights, end the Hindu caste system's "untouchability," and ultimately ensure India's self-rule. But he was personally renowned for his gentleness, good humor, and courtesy. Gandhi was the embodiment of gentleness, ensuring that even his political opponents felt welcomed in his home. In one famous story, he invited political rival Muhammad Jinnah to his Malabar Hill home in Mumbai for negotiations. Jinnah mentioned that he was suffering from a painful rash on his foot. Gandhi insisted that he take off his sock so he could examine it. Taking the foot in his hand, Gandhi told Jinnah he knew just what it was he and would send a cream to cure it, which he did the next morning. Gandhi's non-violent resistance movement was deeply rooted in his own person. He had fought early battles with his own temper, and urged his children and grandchildren to turn away from anger and toward their opponents with courtesy and understanding. The title "Mahatma" means "great-souled," and is universally applied to him today.
Grandfather Gandhi. Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus. Illustrated by Evan Turk. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2014. (1-4)
A first-person narrative of Gandhi's grandson, who goes to live with his famous grandfather at a "service village" in India. The young boy resents sharing his grandfather with others and worries he will never live up to his grandfather's expectations. He has a temper. "How could he--a Gandhi--be so easy to anger?" In a soccer match, Arun's temper gets the better of him, and his grandfather has useful insight and advice. |
Gandhi. Demi. Margaret McElderry Books, 2001. (2-6)
Demi's superb illustrations and sympathetic text bring Gandhi, "the father of India," to life. She follows the "great-souled" leader from shy, uncertain boy to driven lawyer working for civil rights, to confident parliamentary leader, whose focus on non-violence stressed uprooting anger and prejudice as much as overthrow. Gandhi and his campaign of non-violent resistance to colonial rule ("meeting challenges with humility and calm" ) was key in the nation's successful crusade for independence from Great Britain. |
Who Was Gandhi? Dana Meachen Rau.
Illustrated by Jerry Hoare. Scholastic, 2014. (3-5) A straightforward presentation of Gandhi's life and accomplishments for middle grades. This biography presents Mohandes Gandhi's childhood in a devout Muslim home, follows him through his childhood marriage, career in London, civil rights advocacy in South Africa, and then important political career in India, with an emphasis of course on non-violent resistance. |
Gandhi: The Young Protester Who Founded a Nation. Philip Wilkinson. National Geographic, 2007. (4-8)
A sixty-five page biography that is comprehensive and lively; richly illustrated with photographs, timelines and more. We follow Gandhi from his shy boyhood through to his nation-changing work for independence, and to his tragic assassination (owing in large part to his work for religious tolerance). |
Gandhi For Kids. His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities. * Ellen Mahoney. Chicago Review, 2016. (5-8)
This is a colorfully written and well researched book. Single chapters could be read aloud if teachers wished (for example, "Gandhi's Legacy") or it could be supplementary material for students seeking a greater understanding. Teachers who are doing a unit on India or Gandhi will value the activities, which invite greater understanding of Indian culture.*Available on Epic!
This is a colorfully written and well researched book. Single chapters could be read aloud if teachers wished (for example, "Gandhi's Legacy") or it could be supplementary material for students seeking a greater understanding. Teachers who are doing a unit on India or Gandhi will value the activities, which invite greater understanding of Indian culture.*Available on Epic!