What do you think?
Rate this book
Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known by his followers as Mahatma -- or great soul -- was born in India in 1869 and grew up to become one of the most influential and well-respected political and social leaders the world has ever known. An adamant idealist and a courageous thinker, Gandhi identified himself with the struggles of the common people. He became the sole voice of the downtrodden and the exploited and believed fervently in the notion that "hatred can only be overcome by love." He vowed to instigate social and political change through nonviolent means and succeeded in changing India's prejudicial caste system and winning India's independence from British rule.
Gandhi's teachings inspired Martin Luther King's nonviolent civil rights movement in the United States and Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Gandhi's philosophies of nonviolence and peaceful protest continue to inspire people around the world.
In beautiful language and exquisite illustrations inspired by Gandhi's own belief in the simplicity and truth of life, Demi captures the spirit that was Mahatma Gandhi and pays homage to this great man.
Gandhi's teachings inspired Martin Luther King's nonviolent civil rights movement in the United States and Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Gandhi's philosophies of nonviolence and peaceful protest continue to inspire people around the world.
In beautiful language and exquisite illustrations inspired by Gandhi's own belief in the simplicity and truth of life, Demi captures the spirit that was Mahatma Gandhi and pays homage to this great man.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2001
4 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Demi
180 books179 followersDemi (September 2, 1942) born Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt, is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. During her career she has published over 300 titles.
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 26, 2008
This is a well written biography that can be used while teaching students to write biographies or during a unit of monumental figures in history. The illustrations are gorgeous and really help depict what life was like in India for Gandhi. I had never read the true story of Gandhi's life. What a monumental figure. He is one of the most peaceful people. It is strange to imagine a world if everyone were to have lived as he did. I see many comparisons to Martin Luther King Jr. I know Gandhi was one of his role models in life. It would be cool to read stories about both and list the things that have in common.
June 28, 2016
fun and quick :)
January 1, 2021
عنوان ترجمهٔ فارسی: گاندی
October 29, 2020
This book by Demi is also about Mahatma Gandhi. In difference to Leonard Fisher’s Gandhi, this book is easier to read and does not make the reader feel a negative emotion about Gandhi’s life. Although both authors kind of talked about the same thing, I like this book more because the illustration has more colors. If I were going to choose between the two Gandhi books and share them with my students, I will choose this one. Besides the illustration, Demi used positive words and phrases compared to Fisher. When Demi described Gandhi’s wife he said, “a beautiful thirteen-year-old girl who possessed qualities of patience, strength, and courage” this phrase helped me realize why their marriage lasted a long time. It is because Gandhi’s wife is a great woman. Compared to Fisher’s “two teenagers hardly know each other” Besides this observation, the two books are pretty much the same content wise.
May 21, 2009
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was an important Indian leader whose leadership in overthrowing British rule became an inspiration for the American Civil Rights movement. This picture-book biography presents the major events of his life with Demi's characteristically beautiful illustrations. For the purpose of nurturing a Christian worldview, this book may be problematic. Gandhi's human greatness was inseparable from his Hindu faith, and the text is infused with a Hindu view of reality, along with quotes from the Bhagavad Vita. Young children will probably be unable to separate the spiritual aspects of the story from the qualities that earned Ghandi's reputation as a "Great Soul." Our family will have to wait until a later, more sophisticated age to introduce this important human figure to our children.
April 2, 2009
We've read some of Demi's books, but plan to read many more. There are some interesting looking titles.
Demi's artwork is always a treat. I loved this book too. Having seen the movie Gandhi several times, I knew what to expect, but it still made me feel emotional. Gandhi was a wonderful man who accomplished much through his nonviolent resistance. We could all learn something from Gandhi. Highly recommend for introducing children to Gandhi.
Demi's artwork is always a treat. I loved this book too. Having seen the movie Gandhi several times, I knew what to expect, but it still made me feel emotional. Gandhi was a wonderful man who accomplished much through his nonviolent resistance. We could all learn something from Gandhi. Highly recommend for introducing children to Gandhi.
September 29, 2020
Demi has such an easy way of converting historical and biographical information into the picture book format. While studying Asia, I wanted to introduce my son to the greatness of Gandhi. This book was a perfect introduction. We found a short clip on YouTube to follow the book and it was so uninspiring in comparison. In today's tumultuous days, I'm happy to have found this book and provided a basis of understanding for how non-violent protests and messages can be heard far and wide.
March 22, 2022
Not a bad book. Umm his name not Gandhi Mahatma so Mahatma means a person with great soul and he Lso stopped the British from controlling India. And he is the father of India. And I am from India and I think he is grat man who changed our lives. because remember this ok FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME TO THE END OF TIME THE FORCE OG TRUTH AND LOVE ALWAYS WINS OVER VIOLENCE WITH THS GREAT FORCE YOU CAN BRING THIS WORLD TO YOUR FEET. I think this is his words.
November 9, 2017
This biography of Gandhi's life brought up historical and factual information through the powerful voice that changed the course of India forever. Through non-violent protests he showed how prejudice and hatred can only be overtaken by love. This book was very accurate in its information, setting and theme. I feel as though the book could have better integrated the story line with the historical information, rather than relying so heavily on dates, and historical events that occurred. Other than that, the story is very impactful in portraying Gandhi's life, and the strong visual illustrations aid in the background and setting of the story.
June 14, 2024
Like the other Demi biographies that I've been reading, this is unsatisfying. There are so many details and events left out and it feels to me that getting from one featured event to another is discongruous here. At least this time there's a more thorough author's note and even a map.
Btw, a Goodreads reviewer from India points out that it's the title Mahatma that means Great Soul(ed). I wonder what else isn't quite accurate here.
Btw, a Goodreads reviewer from India points out that it's the title Mahatma that means Great Soul(ed). I wonder what else isn't quite accurate here.
September 27, 2018
Wow. This is an amazing book. Demi tells the life of Ghandi in a beautiful way with wonderful illustrations. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I would categorize this book under Biography. In the classroom, I would honestly put no age limit to this book. I am a third year college student and I really enjoyed this book. It's historical, factual, and beautifully done.
May 18, 2024
A well told biography through image and text. Of the three "Spiritual Leader" Demi books that I have read thus far (the other two being Buddha and Jesus) this one perhaps engaged me most as a story. Even speaking as a Christian, it is hard not to admire Gandhi's complete devotion toward his goal of liberation for the worst off, and his radical use of peace.
September 1, 2024
It's short and a good read. Good to introduce some key elements of Gamdhi's life to its readers. But the ideas and events are too simplified and at many places, the illustrations do not make sense. Some illustrations look like poor replicas of Mughal paintings. Working on illustrations and adding some more specific details will add a lot of value.
December 9, 2018
This is a picture book published in 2001. I enjoyed the illustrations and factual biographical information in this book. I would use this in my classroom to teach students about biographies and Ghandi.
October 6, 2019
Demi, author and illustrator, weaves her touching storytelling with beautiful illustrations to tell the story of Gandhi. Written with children aged 7-10 in mind, it is very accessible and charming while informative and touching. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
June 30, 2017
Demi mentions in an author's note that one of the books he kept with him was a Bible. Too bad he didn't take to heart its revelations about the Savior of the world.
May 1, 2018
This is an informational picture book about the life of Gandhi. Straight and simple, but very informative.
ATOS: 6.5
Guided Reading: S
6+1 Traits: Sentence Fluency, Presentation
ATOS: 6.5
Guided Reading: S
6+1 Traits: Sentence Fluency, Presentation
May 7, 2019
A narrative of Gandhi's life and peaceful passions. The illustrations were all paintings of scenes from parts of his life.
Trait: Ideas/Presentation
AR: 6.5
DRA: 40
Trait: Ideas/Presentation
AR: 6.5
DRA: 40
November 20, 2019
Quick read and can be very helpful when teaching children about biographies.
Read
January 26, 2024Clear writing, presented facts of his life in a way that would be easy for kids to follow.
November 22, 2014
Most people know about the civil rights movements here in America. So much so that if you were to show a classroom of students a picture of Martin Luther King that they would be able to identify him within a matter of seconds. Now if you were to show the same classroom of students a picture of Gandhi, some would know who he is but only a handful would know what Gandhi represents. I prior to reading this book only had a vague idea of what Gandhi did for India, and I was always curios to learn more about him. So when I found Gandhi by Demi at my local library I was excited to see a picture book about the civil rights leader, that not only I could learn from but possibly my future students as well.
Gandhi by Demi is full of warm and inviting illustrations. They are rich in both tone and texture implementing an overall aesthetic which reads as illustrations vindictive of that of woven cloth or quilt. The subjects captured within the illustrations express implications of both religion and culture. Gold leafing used to give dimension to metallic elements within the composition while also acknowledging the rich pictorial documentation of eastern culture. Also by centering illustration toward the binding, in some cases even allowing the picture to expand across both pages, Demi expresses the importance of the picture-text relationship.
In the text Demi presents a brief overview of Gandhi’s life and his work with the Indian people. By providing readers with contexts of geography and time Demi allows readers to gain a more critical understanding of where and when Gandhi advocated for change. Also by allowing readers to gain knowledge on Gandhi’s upbringing and personal relationships, Demi provides information which allows one to gauge an understanding for Gandhi that goes far beyond a simple explanation of his work. By allowing cultural and background knowledge to be a driving force within the making of this text Demi provides readers with a text that is not only entertaining but informative, but allows anyone to gain an understanding of just who Gandhi is.
Gandhi by Demi is full of warm and inviting illustrations. They are rich in both tone and texture implementing an overall aesthetic which reads as illustrations vindictive of that of woven cloth or quilt. The subjects captured within the illustrations express implications of both religion and culture. Gold leafing used to give dimension to metallic elements within the composition while also acknowledging the rich pictorial documentation of eastern culture. Also by centering illustration toward the binding, in some cases even allowing the picture to expand across both pages, Demi expresses the importance of the picture-text relationship.
In the text Demi presents a brief overview of Gandhi’s life and his work with the Indian people. By providing readers with contexts of geography and time Demi allows readers to gain a more critical understanding of where and when Gandhi advocated for change. Also by allowing readers to gain knowledge on Gandhi’s upbringing and personal relationships, Demi provides information which allows one to gauge an understanding for Gandhi that goes far beyond a simple explanation of his work. By allowing cultural and background knowledge to be a driving force within the making of this text Demi provides readers with a text that is not only entertaining but informative, but allows anyone to gain an understanding of just who Gandhi is.
October 19, 2011
Gandhi by Demi is a pictorial biography of Gandhi, one of the most influential and respected leaders in the world. The author does a nice job of presenting his life in a very clear and straightforward manner, easily understood by school aged readers. The texts follows him from his early education to the strikes he led and finally to India’s independence and his eventual assassination. The events of Ganhi’s life are thoroughly explained using long and sometimes wordy paragraphs. The power of one’s actions and the belief in change through non-violent means are the central themes presented throughout this book. Readers gain insight into the inspiration of Gandhi’s and the model he set for many other world leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. The highlight of this book for me were the colorful, authentic, and intricate painted illustrations. I was able to gather a lot of information about Gandhi and the Indian culture from these very telling and descriptive images. An author’s note explaining more about Gandhi’s life is included.
After reading the text, I did some research on the book. Many reviews claim that the information about Gandhi is incorrect and his life is misrepresented in many ways. It was eye opening to learn that the author included many historical inaccuracies in this text. It made me as an educator aware of how careful you need to be when picking books for your students to read. It would be interesting for students to compare this text to other biographical pieces about Gandhi such as Gandhi a DK biography.
After reading the text, I did some research on the book. Many reviews claim that the information about Gandhi is incorrect and his life is misrepresented in many ways. It was eye opening to learn that the author included many historical inaccuracies in this text. It made me as an educator aware of how careful you need to be when picking books for your students to read. It would be interesting for students to compare this text to other biographical pieces about Gandhi such as Gandhi a DK biography.
December 21, 2015
• Summarize the book
This book details Ghandi's life from his birth in 1869 to his death by assassination almost 80 years later. We learn of his marriage at 13, his difficulties in school, extreme shyness and how he attended law school in London. After finishing law school he returned to India and then went to work in South Africa. And from here we see his ideas around social justice, social change and love as the only useful response to hate begin to evolve. We learn of the Great salt March and finally of his assassination.
• Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre: It is a book about the life of a real, historical figure.
• Identify specific literary or educational concepts that could be integrated into the classroom.
Biographies can be done in many ways. This one happens to be a picture book with incredible artwork that still has a fair amount of text. It would be nice for a study of the diversity of biography as a form.
• Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated. Social justice, social change, non-violent resistance, love, the power of 1, etc. Need I say more?
This book details Ghandi's life from his birth in 1869 to his death by assassination almost 80 years later. We learn of his marriage at 13, his difficulties in school, extreme shyness and how he attended law school in London. After finishing law school he returned to India and then went to work in South Africa. And from here we see his ideas around social justice, social change and love as the only useful response to hate begin to evolve. We learn of the Great salt March and finally of his assassination.
• Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre: It is a book about the life of a real, historical figure.
• Identify specific literary or educational concepts that could be integrated into the classroom.
Biographies can be done in many ways. This one happens to be a picture book with incredible artwork that still has a fair amount of text. It would be nice for a study of the diversity of biography as a form.
• Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated. Social justice, social change, non-violent resistance, love, the power of 1, etc. Need I say more?
December 16, 2016
I’ve been inspired to read about people who’ve made differences in times of adversity- particularly using nonviolence means but still managing to accomplish something. Of course, I’ve read books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela and my favorite book is John Lewis’s March trilogy. I hadn’t really read about Gandhi.
The first two picture books I ended up reading about him were coincidentally about the Salt March incident. A Taste of Freedom: Gandhi and the Great Salt March was told through the eyes of a boy who was intrigued and inspired by Gandhi and his actions. Gandhi: A March to the Sea is a beautiful nonfiction picture book, very lyrical in its storytelling.
Demi’s picture book gave an overview of Gandhi’s life. I felt it was lacking even though I had nothing to compare it to and since I wasn’t even all that familiar with him.
Who Was Gandhi? provided a more comprehensive look. I can’t say enough good things about this series!
I definitely want to know more about Gandhi and to practice his beliefs.
The first two picture books I ended up reading about him were coincidentally about the Salt March incident. A Taste of Freedom: Gandhi and the Great Salt March was told through the eyes of a boy who was intrigued and inspired by Gandhi and his actions. Gandhi: A March to the Sea is a beautiful nonfiction picture book, very lyrical in its storytelling.
Demi’s picture book gave an overview of Gandhi’s life. I felt it was lacking even though I had nothing to compare it to and since I wasn’t even all that familiar with him.
Who Was Gandhi? provided a more comprehensive look. I can’t say enough good things about this series!
I definitely want to know more about Gandhi and to practice his beliefs.
March 22, 2016
This is a good, solid biography of Gandhi. I'm not sure it was really written from the perspective of particularly appealing to children, though. There are some nice background details on the mahatma's life, such as his shyness and the fears he had when he was young. However, the illustrations felt rather flat here. While they added to the story, it would have been pretty much as clear without them, so I didn't find them crucial. I also find a typo, of all things. Demi states that Gandhi "lead" a strike. Obviously, that should be led. I'm surprised an editor didn't catch that one. The end notes were useful as well, though they were written probably at about the same grade level as the text itself, which I would put at around level 4 or 5 (maybe an advanced 3 with some discussion). On the whole, it's a decent biography of one of my very favorite people, but it didn't strike me as being stunning.
July 7, 2010
I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know much about Gandhi before reading this book. This is about the extent of my knowledge beforehand: Martin Luther King Jr. modeled his non-violent protests after Gandhi's, he was Indian, He was an advocate for peace. Okay, so I didn't know much. Oh well...
I think Demi does a great job including details about Gandhi that children would finding interesting--he wasn't a good student, he married at thirteen, he faced racism throughout his life. Overall, the book has a good message, it is informative, and the illustrations are weirdly interesting. No, I wouldn't call the illustrations great, but calling them weird definitely seems to fit them.
I will be reading more of Demi after this.
I think Demi does a great job including details about Gandhi that children would finding interesting--he wasn't a good student, he married at thirteen, he faced racism throughout his life. Overall, the book has a good message, it is informative, and the illustrations are weirdly interesting. No, I wouldn't call the illustrations great, but calling them weird definitely seems to fit them.
I will be reading more of Demi after this.
April 29, 2011
I thought this book was a good telling of the life of Gandhi for children. It is a picture book with pictures that will give you an idea of what Gandhi was like and what he wore and what the country side looks like where ever he is. The story tells his faults and how he overcomes his shyness. I gives children a sense of how one person can overcome weaknesses and make a difference in the community and possibably the whole country where they live.
July 19, 2010
This book provides an overview of the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It is an excellent source for students to learn about a man that has been an inspiration for peaceful demonstrations through out the world. The text can also be used by students as a source to “compare and contrast” the life of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
January 1, 2013
My mom read this book to me when I was a kid. Reading it now as a college sophomore (who is much more knowledgeable about India and Indian history) I realize how great a book it is. Well written with a beautiful message. This one I will defiantly keep to read to my own kids one day. A wonderful book about a wonderful man. :3
February 3, 2014
"If you want to see the brave, look at those who can forgive. If you want to see the heroic, look at those who can love in return for hatred." - Mahatma Gandhi(1869-1948) Named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and received an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award, "Gandhi" is an exceptionally handsome biography that serves as an excellent introduction to the life of this amazing man.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews