Tree Shaker: The Life of Nelson Mandela

by Bill Keller

Overview

He was a child of royalty, born and raised to defend tradition. But his African name—Rolihlahla, meaning "tree shaker"—hinted at a very different future. Nelson Mandela would spend most of his life shaking his country to its roots.

For challenging the cruel system of apartheid, Mandela would be condemned as South Africa's most notorious outlaw and spend more than twenty-seven years in prison. He would emerge to lead a peaceful revolution, becoming the father of a new South Africa and one of the world's most inspiring heroes.

The new updated edition of New York Times veteran Bill Keller's moving biography looks back on Mandela's life, offering a clear-eyed view of his legacy and bringing his remarkable story to a new generation of readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781596435339
Publisher:	Square Fish
Publication date:	12/24/2013
Series:	New York Times
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x 0.27(d)
Lexile:	NC1270L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

BILL KELLER has worked at The New York Times for more than twenty years, serving as executive editor, domestic correspondent, foreign correspondent, foreign editor, managaing editor, and currently as an op-ed columnist. He is the author of The Tree Shaker, among other books. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the Soviet Union in 1989 and was chief of the Johannesburg bureau from 1192 to 1195, witnessing firsthand the remarkable events that led to the first free election in South Africa. He lives in New York.

Editorial Reviews

With its strking layout, bright graphics and photographs on almost every page, Keller's biography of Mandela vibrates with the feeling of history come alive.” —The New York Times Book Review

“On-the-spot reporting of the end of apartheid, of Manela's release from prison, and the excitement of the country's first democratic elections make this more than the usual biography.” —Booklist

“Keller's personal experience . . . with Mandela imbues his often graceful prose with immediacy and offers insight.” —Publishers Weekly

“Keller's vivid writing brings to life his subject and the complex history of South Africa.” —The Horn Book Guide

“Keller draws on his years of experience as the Johannesburg bureau chief for the New York Times [and] paints a portrait of a man of courage and leadership who, when faced with difficult choices, did whatever was necessary to achieve his goal. Well-chosen black-and-white and full-color photographs enhance the text. A good first purchase for biography and current-events collections.” —School Library Journal

From the Publisher