Grandad Mandela
What’s inside...
In 'Grandad Mandela', Zazi and Ziwelene Mandela engage in a heartfelt dialogue with their grandmother, Zindzi Mandela, about their great-grandfather, Nelson Mandela. The book explores Mandela's struggle against apartheid, his long imprisonment, and his eventual success in transforming South Africa into a democratic country. It's a personal and touching introduction to the life and legacy of one of the world's most iconic figures. Two great-grandchildren ask their grandmother 15 questions about the man they remember as Grandad, and the world remembers as Nelson Mandela, the global icon of peace and forgiveness who spent 27 years in prison. They learn that he was a freedom fighter who put down his weapons for the sake of peace, and who then became the President of South Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize-winner, and realise that they can continue his legacy in the world today. Seen through a child’s perspective, and authored jointly by his great-grandchildren and daughter, this amazing story is told as never before to celebrate what would have been Nelson's Mandela 100th birthday.
Age
4-11
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zazi Mandela
Ziwelene Mandela
Discussion points
Why do you think Grandad Mandela was such an important figure? What did he fight for?
How do you feel about the way Grandad Mandela tried to make changes? Do you think it was effective?
What would you have done if you were in Grandad Mandela’s situation?
Can you think of a situation in your own life where you stood up for something you believed in, like Grandad Mandela?
What did you learn about forgiveness and peace from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide some background about Nelson Mandela and why he is a significant historical figure. This will help your child understand the context of the story better.
Encourage your child to think about the qualities that make a good leader. Discuss these qualities and ask them which ones they think Grandad Mandela possessed.
While reading, pause at key moments to ask your child how they think the characters are feeling. This encourages empathy and deeper understanding of the narrative.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture or write a short paragraph about what peace and equality mean to them, inspired by Mandela’s life and achievements.
Reinforce the themes of the book by connecting them to your child’s everyday experiences, discussing how they can implement lessons from Grandad Mandela’s life in their own interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding empathy and forgiveness
Explanation: Through the narrative of Grandad Mandela's sacrifices and struggles, children learn about the importance of understanding and forgiving others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these concepts in their daily interactions at school or at home by empathizing with their peers or family members and practicing forgiveness during conflicts.
Example Lesson: Recognizing the value of perseverance
Explanation: Grandad Mandela’s relentless fight against injustice provides a strong example of how perseverance can lead to significant change.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persistently work toward their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, regardless of the obstacles they encounter.
Example Lesson: The significance of fighting for one’s rights
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of standing up for one's rights and the rights of others, as exemplified by Mandela’s activism.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to speak up when they or someone else is being treated unfairly, be it in school rules or in group play.
Example Lesson: Learning about apartheid and its impact
Explanation: By exploring the historical context of apartheid, children gain an understanding of past injustices and their effects on people's lives.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children develop a deeper understanding of history and social justice, fostering more informed and empathetic future citizens.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and heritage
Explanation: The book, narrated by Mandela's grandchildren, highlights the importance of family and the preservation of one's heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and explore their own family histories, understanding how their past shapes their identity and values.