Books About Apartheid

The Best Apartheid Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about apartheid? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 6 Favorite Books About Apartheid

Hector
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 8–11 · 2019

Hector

By Adrienne Wright

A boy's tragic death during a protest sparks change in apartheid-era South Africa.

48 pages· 1,127 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 226 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1976 South Africa, young Hector Pieterson becomes a symbol of resistance after a protest turns deadly. Through the eyes of Hector, his sister, and a photographer, this graphic novel captures the struggle against a law forcing students to learn in Afrikaans. As tensions rise, the story reveals the personal and political stakes of a fight for justice, shedding light on a pivotal moment in the battle against apartheid. Will Hector's sacrifice ignite change, or will it be lost in the chaos?
Who Was Nelson Mandela?
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Who Was Nelson Mandela?

By Pam Pollack, Who HQ, Stephen Marchesi (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A biography of Nelson Mandela, from his childhood to his presidency of South Africa, highlighting his fight against apartheid and his efforts to bring about equality and justice to his country.

112 pages· 7,623 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 992 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Nelson Mandela, a visionary from childhood, dedicates his life to dismantling apartheid in South Africa. Despite enduring twenty-seven years in prison, he emerges as a beacon of hope, becoming the nation's first black president. Mandela's journey from prisoner to president is a testament to resilience and the power of peaceful revolution. How did he transform his dream into reality, and what challenges did he overcome to unite a divided nation? Discover the inspiring story of a leader who changed the world.
Grandad Mandela
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Grandad Mandela

By Ambassador Zindzi Mandela, Zazi and Ziwelene Mandela, Zondwa Mandela, Sean Qualls (Illustrator)

Two children discover their great-grandfather's legacy as a freedom fighter and global icon.

40 pages· 1,299 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 213 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Zazi and Ziwelene, curious about their great-grandfather, ask their grandmother 15 questions about Nelson Mandela. Through their eyes, we learn of Mandela's journey from freedom fighter to President and Nobel laureate. As they uncover his story, they realize they can continue his legacy of peace and forgiveness. This unique perspective celebrates Mandela's life and inspires a new generation to carry on his work.
Nelson Mandela
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Nelson Mandela

By Kadir Nelson

A boy's journey to change a nation and fight for equality.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)Coretta Scott King Honor (2014)
40 pages· 749 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,697 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Follow Nelson Mandela from a young boy facing loss to a leader challenging injustice in South Africa. Witness his transformation as he battles apartheid, striving for a nation united in equality. Will his dream of a just world prevail?
Nelson Mandela
Sale price
$474
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2014

Nelson Mandela

By Barbara Kramer, National Geographic Kids · National Geographic Kids Readers series

Imprisoned for 27 years, he rose to lead a nation.

48 pages· 2,141 words· Est. 24 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 48 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the life of Nelson Mandela, who transformed from a prisoner to South Africa's first democratically-elected president. Discover how he overcame immense challenges, won the Nobel Peace Prize, and left an enduring legacy of courage and humanitarianism. What drove him to persevere against all odds?
Nelson Mandela
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Nelson Mandela

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Alison Hawkins (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

A rebel's journey from prison to presidency in the fight for equality.

32 pages· 541 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 330 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore Nelson Mandela's journey from a rebellious child to South Africa's first Black president. Despite years of imprisonment, his unwavering fight against apartheid reshaped a nation. How did his resilience and courage lead to such monumental change? Discover the inspiring story of a leader who transformed dreams into reality, with engaging illustrations and fascinating facts that bring his legacy to life.
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