The story of Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Prize-winning activist for racial equality in South Africa, is as spellbinding a biography as you can find. His journey from student to revolutionary to inmate to president of South Africa will inspire and engage kids of all ages.

As conversations about race, prejudice, and injustice pervade classrooms and homes, teachers and parents need books that can bring those discussions within the grasp of kids. Nelson Mandela’s story, told honestly and accessibly, is just such a book. The subjects of apartheid and racism are handled with aplomb, and readers will find much to discuss with their classmates, friends, and families.

Step 4 Readers use challenging vocabulary and short paragraphs to tell exciting stories. For newly independent readers who read simple sentences with confidence.