Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a shy, frightened, and deeply religious child, who even after he married, at thirteen, had to sleep with the lights on. He was a poor student, barely graduating from high school and college. While in London, studying law, he came to realize that he was not happy with all the trappings of wealth, and decided to live a simpler and more self-reliant life. With his law degree in hand, he moved his family to South Africa, and for the first time experienced racism, and hatred for his brown skin firsthand. Instead of going back to India, he drew strength from the challenges of living and working in an unfriendly country. "He began to look on every difficulty as an opportunity for service to others. This was to be the secret of his success for the rest of his life." Author Demi has written an eloquent and evocative biography that details the life of this extraordinary man as he struggles to bring change to India's social and political policies, and win independence from British rule. She explains how Gandhi was "...determined to root out the disease of prejudice, but never to yield to violence and never to use violence against others." His tireless and passionate work, through non-violent marches, fasts, nationwide strikes, and civil disobedience, led to the liberation of India from Great Britain, and the end of the caste system. Demi's passionate and expressive text is beautifully complemented by elegant and exquisite illustrations, and together word and art paint a memorable portrait of a unique individual who left his mark on the world for generations to come. With an author's note at the end to enhance the text, augment lessons, and further discussions, Ghandhi is a superb and inspirational biographical starting point for youngsters 8-12, that shouldn't be missed.

This beautiful biography causes child and adult to stop and think about the power of our actions. Throughout his life, Gandhi viewed every challenge he faced as an opportunity to serve others. He especially wanted to challenge the evils of prejudice, but only in nonviolent ways. After reading this book as an adult, I found myself longing for a present-day world leader with his spiritual strength. After reading the book to my third graders, I saw how this leader from the past could still influence thinking of today's people. They were very moved by Gandhi's non-violent beliefs and decided to put this quote (from the dust jacket)up on our classroom bulletin board: "If you want to see the brave, look at those who can forgive. If you want to see the heroic, look at those who can love in return for hatred." Demi has succeeded in making Gandhi a timeless world figure for young children--both in her words and illustrations. I thank her for this incredible book; in light of our current world events, I think Gandhi's teachings are very powerful for all of us.