I Am Gandhi: A Graphic Biography of a Hero (Ordinary People Change the World)

I'm a fan of Brad Meltzer's "I am..." series of books. While they are aimed at children, I'm surprised by how well Brad Meltzer captures the core character, philosophy, and significance of historical figures with such short sentences and several handful pages. I'd wager most adults would learn a thing or two from them.This graphic novelization of "I Am Gandhi" is a great addition to the "Ordinary People Change the World" series. It took me longer to read than the rest of the "I am..." series not because of the length, but mostly because of the incredible artwork. With 25 different artists contributing, the artistic styles expectedly change from page to page. This change isn't drastic enough to be distracting or jarring -- if anything, it kept me more engaged.The story covers Gandhi from a young boy in Indian to England to his formative years in South Africa to the independence movement in India and finally closes with Gandhi as an old man. There's even a few pages dedicated entirely to his development of his philosophy of Satyagraha. There is violence referenced a few times in the book but it's never depicted in the artwork (other than showing guns on one page) -- even Gandhi's assassination is only mentioned in the timeline of his life.I think the recommended 10-14 age may be a bit high, however. My 9 year son read it in one short sitting and I plan on having my 7 year old daughter read it next (probably with some help, of course).Also, I'm not familiar with a lot of comic artists, so the inclusion at the end of brief biographies on each of the artists was a nice touch.The hardcover edition has exceptional printing with quality binding and heavy paper with a gloss finish. Unlike many books, the exterior-art is on both the dust-jacket and the front/back covers.This is a certainly a book to keep on the bookshelf and not give away after you're done. I really do hope Brad Meltzer and Penguin continue with additional graphic novelizations of the "I Am..." series. I can see myself buying every one of them.

This version of the book is phenomenal. I had originally checked out the more cartoonish-illustrated one from the library (same book, same author, different illustrator) and it became one of my son's favorite books, so I thought I would buy it for him. I saw this edition with the different illustrators and thought it would be interesting to buy and compare. Well - the illustrations in this edition completely blow the other one out of the water. They are so beautiful! and interesting because they are different styles by different artists. A great way to open the conversation about art and how different materials, colors, and styles can change what is communicated by an image, as well as different ways the artists chose to represent the same person visually. My son found the images fascinating and spent a very long time "reading" the book himself (he's 5). I'm very happy that I bought this. It's a valuable addition to our home library.

My 9- yr old liked it, but it could have included more details about pivotal events. Even so, much much better than other options at his reading level. Highly recommended.

Beautiful book with excellent art. I bought another one after getting my copy so I could share with my family. The book has art by a collection of quality artists on top of Meltzer’s words. The book should be part of anyone’s collection. Great work!

This book is such a great read. There was a lot about Gandhi that I did not know and learned through this book. I highly recommend it

Beautiful illustrations throughout and a powerful message about standing for justice and not giving into violence. A wonderful read for adults and children alike.

I bought 2 because I gave one to my dad and used one in my classroom. Meltzer has done a fabulous job putting this book together and for such a wonderful cause!

Arrived before I knew it. Beautiful book. Can’t wait for my grandsons to see it

A excellent overview on Gandhi's life and philosophies which is illustrated in a graphic novel style that peaks children's interest at various ages.

Great comic!