Discussion?!

If I were reading this story (Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson, 2013) with my class (which I am going to be) I would use this as a framework for my discussion:

**Please keep in mind that I crafted these questions for middle-age students based upon my recommendation for students who should read this story.

BEFORE You Read:

• What does discrimination mean?
• Do we have discrimination in our own country? Our own lives? What?
• What does it mean to HATE?
• What is the opposite of hate?
• Who is someone that has changed your life? Why?
• Who is someone that has changed our world? Why?
• Do you know who Nelson Mandela is? (this will be a good spot to start reading the story)

AFTER You Read:

• First, what struck you about the story? What was the most POWERFUL moment for you?
• What was Nelson’s most challenging obstacle? Why?
• What do you think scared him the most?
• What sort of discrimination did he face? The people of South Africa?
• Do you think the hatred ended when Nelson Mandela became president? Why/Why not?
• Do you think it would have been different for him in any other part of the world?
• 27 years; what does that mean to you? Compare it to something you read.
• Can you compare South African apartheid to anything in our history? What?
• What was Nelson Mandela’s strongest characteristic?
• The book did not show much weakness on Nelson Mandela’s part; do you think the author should have? Why/why not?
• What was his legacy? Write it in a news headline.
• Why is it important to learn about him?
• What is something else you want to learn about regarding this topic?