Nelson Mandela hardly needs an introduction. However, this powerful biography provides an in-depth look at the man who grew up in a rural village in South Africa under racist apartheid rule--a regime he ultimately helped overthrow. Denenberg explores the history of South Africa and its often violent struggle for civil rights, while tracingMandela's role in that history. Lawyer, leader of the African National Congress, political prisoner who spent 26 years in jail, president--no one else has had such enormous influence on his fellow South Africans . . . or his fellow human beings.

Barry Denenberg is a critically acclaimed author of nonfiction and historical fiction. His historical fiction books include titles in the Dear America, My Name Is America, and Royal Diaries series, many of which have been named NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. His nonfiction books have covered a wide array of topics, from Anne Frank to Elvis Presley.Barry Denenberg lives in Bedford, New York, with his wife and daughter.