A Man Called Bapu
age group: 
12+ yrs
Number of pages: 
36
Publisher: 
Pratham Books
Themes:
Mahatma Gandhi freedom struggle
Genre:
biography
 

"I want world sympathy in this battle of Right against Might,"  so wrote Mahatma Gandhi in a letter.  And the whole world sat up and took notice of this naked fakir as he fought the mighty force of the British, using the twin weapons of satyagraha and ahimsa.  This book traces the main events of Mahatma Gandhi's journey from his early formative years in politics to India's liberation. 

He also inspired many of the world's greatest leaders, such as, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, and our own Abdul Ghaffar Khan, to pick up the cudgel and fight against injustice, in his inimicable style - non violently.  The story of this simple and straightforward man has been put together in a way that will appeal to young and old alike.

What I enjoyed most was the way the various incidents have been woven seamlessly together.   The little anecdotes from his life, inserted on various pages also add an interesting dimension to the book.  Kids generally find history boring.  But if presented as it is, in this well illustrated book, kids are sure to read and remember. 

However, a tighter narrative would be helpful in sustaining a young reader’s attention.

The illustrations are simple and yet at the same time eye-catching.

In fact, this Indian book is a must read for both children and adults alike

Reviewed by Razia Mitha