Hector: A Boy, A Protest, and the Photograph that Changed Apartheid, by Adrienne Wright (Afrikaans)

“A tragic but inspiring story about an event in South Africa’s history that must never be forgotten.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Nzima’s powerful photograph – the one that caught the world’s attention – is distinct yet seamlessly integrated in this unique account.” – Booklist, starred review

“Wright’s deliberately paced, highly visual narrative captures a traumatic moment with piercing clarity and doesn’t shy from including the photograph upon which the story is based.” – Publishers Weekly

On June 16, 1976, Hector Pieterson, an ordinary boy, lost his life after getting caught up in what was supposed to be a peaceful protest. Black South African students were marching against a new law requiring that they be taught half of their subjects in Afrikaans, the language of the white government. The story’s events unfold from the perspectives of Hector, his sister, and the photographer who captured their photo in the chaos. This book can serve as a pertinent tool for adults discussing global history and race relations with children. Its graphic novel style and mixed media art portray the vibrancy and grit of Hector’s daily life and untimely death. With powerful sequential art, debut author-illustrator Adrienne Wright tells Hector Pieterson’s story and recounts the heartbreaking events that woke up the world and helped lead to the end of South Africa’s apartheid.