Gandhi (Great Lives in Graphics)

Bursting with over 250 facts on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, I found my introduction to Button Books extremely positive. Whilst this series has multiple titles it was all new to me and I was very impressed. This infographic biography is full of both well-known and little-known facts about the life of the ‘Father of the Modern Indian Nation’. The attractive hardback is well laid out and an exciting publication for the young reader.

Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi was very shy as a boy and I was particularly interested in the comment that, ‘A man of few words will rarely be thoughtless in his speech – he will measure every word’ (p.10). With some quiet characters in my own family, I have definitely found this to be true. I also enjoyed hearing about how to start practising meditation, which was something Gandhi tried to do daily. This engaging hardback is full of interesting and useful information.

There is a helpful time map of Gandhi’s world at the beginning of the book and the sections go on to cover his young life and family, his time in Victorian London, how he dealt with racism when he was in Africa and then his influence as a leader fighting for independence. Those new to this period in history will find the Glossary at the end illuminating.

Lots of important topics can be found within this volume: arranged marriages, vegetarianism, Hinduism, racism and non-violence to name a few. The publication also includes other leaders, as well as Gandhi, who were assassinated.

Here is an enticing book which will enrich bookshelves in the classroom, library and home. Curious youngsters will enjoy finding out about colonialism, Hinduism and other related subjects within its pages.