The Extraordinary Life of Nelson Mandela

Sep 14, 2025 8:49 AM

Author:Ashley Evans,E. L. Norry

The story of the first black president of South Africa.

NELSON MANDELA is known for dedicating his life to fighting for equality in South Africa and overthrowing racial segregation. He grew up hearing the elders' stories of his ancestors' fighting in the wars of resistance, and he dreamed of fighting for the freedom of his people. His childhood wish was granted when he became the first black president of South Africa, and an icon for hope, change and equality.

Extraordinary Lives is a bold, inclusive biography series shining a light on modern and historical figures. Entertaining, accessible and educational, they are the perfect introductions to these amazing people and their achievements.

Collect them all:

Collect them all!

Michelle Obama

Malala Yousafzai

Stephen Hawking

Neil Armstrong

Katherine Johnson

Anne Frank

Mahatma Gandhi

Rosa Parks

Mary Seacole

Coming in 2020:

Greta Thunberg

Alan Turing

Freddie Mercury

Serena Williams

Steve Jobs

Amelia Earhart

Nelson Mandela

Reviews

Dean Burnett has written the book I needed in my teens...It's too late for me, but parents and youths, save yourselves

—— Holly Brockwell, Evening Standard

A wonderfully useful book, told with Dean Burnett's trademark wit and wisdom

—— Adam Kay, best-selling author of THIS IS GOING TO HURT

A transformative book that could save many troubled teen-parent relationships

—— Alom Shaha, author of Mr Shaha's Recipes for Wonder

A light touch on a serious subject. Great for helping teenagers learn how to maintain good mental health through the tricky years of adolescence, and understand just why their parents are so annoying!

—— Dr Beth Ross-Gilles, Child Clinical Psychologist

Every kid should have a copy of this book (parents can read it in secret late at night)

—— Tracy King, STEM Campaigner

Refreshingly frank, warm, honest and funny and really does relate to all the realities of the parent-teen relationship... Read this book if you're a teenager. If you know a teen, do them a favour and buy them a copy.

—— Make (Good) Trouble

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