As a young girl in Kenya, Wangari was taught to respect nature. She grew up loving the land, plants, and animals that surrounded her -from the giant mugumo trees her people, the Kikuyu, revered to the tiny tadpoles that swam in the river. Although most Kenyan girls were not educated, Wangari, curious and hardworking, was allowed to go to school. There, her mind sprouted like a seed. She excelled at science and went on to study in the United States. After returning home, Wangari blazed a trail across Kenya, using her knowledge and compassion to promote the rights of her countrywomen and to help save the land, one tree at a time. Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace brings to life the empowering story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Engaging narrative and vibrant images paint a robust portrait of this inspiring champion of the land and of women's rights.
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From School Library Journal
Grade 2–4—This entry on Wangari Maathai takes a slightly more comprehensive look at her life than several other recent books. Her deep love of nature and her determination, first to get an education and later to save the environment and ultimately the people of Kenya, are discussed. Foreign business interests and the duplicity of "corrupt police" forced her first into prison, then politics, and ultimately into spreading her message to the wider world. The book closes as she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. An afterword adds more detail on the Green Belt Movement. Vivid colors sparkle from within the thick white outlines in the batik-style illustrations that fill the pages.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
From Booklist
Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai has become a popular subject for the elementary-school crowd: this title marks the fourth picture-book biography about the Kenyan environmentalist to be released in the last two years. More than the previous offerings, Johnson's title discusses Maathai's education, particularly the role that her brother played in advocating that his sister attend school, and later, at college in the U.S., the inspiration Maathai found in her female science professors: “From them she learned that a woman could do anything she wanted to.” Throughout the poetic text, Johnson includes direct quotes, sourced in appended notes, which will help young people feel a more immediate connection to the inspiring activist and her powerful message. Sadler's bright mixed-media art, reminiscent of Ashley Bryan's work with its white outlines and rainbow-hued shapes, reinforces the sense of a depleted land growing green again and the presence, even in bustling city scenes, of a vibrant natural world. An author's note and resources conclude this title, which complements, rather than duplicates, other recent titles about Maathai. Grades 2-4. --Gillian Engberg
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Tim Magner
Format:Hardcover
Seeds of Change is a worthy read on plenty of levels. The illustrations captivate and the prose flows. So, the book works well even before considering the impact of the story. It doesn't matter if you're eight, eighteen or eighty, the story of Wangari is motivating. And what makes this book on Wangari more appealing than the other children's books on the subject, is it provides more information on Wangari, including rich quotes. While it may be about a woman and movement in Africa, there is enough information on Wangari the person to help us feel empowered as we read. Now, more than ever, we need to be reminded that dreams are possible. I highly recommend this book. Buy it here and/or ask your local library to get several copies.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As the oldest daughter in her Kikuyu family, Wangari Maathai did not attend school as a young child. Rather, traditional customs dictated that she help her parents with the farm work and child care. Although she enjoyed her outdoor work and delighted in the majesty of the sacred fig tree, Wangari wanted desperately to follow in her brother's tracks and gain a formal education.
Recognizing their daughter's talents and her willingness to learn, Wangari's parents decided to send her to school. Wangari did so well, especially in the sciences, that she attended college and graduate school in the United States. She came back to Kenya to work as a university instructor, but much had changed. Logging and plantation farming had caused extensive deforestation, soil erosion, dirty water, malnutrition, and greater work burdens for women. Wangari's simple but powerful idea to start planting trees grew into a national movement that led to over 30 million new trees planted, and in 2004 she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Rich in its biographical narrative, this picture book gets high marks for its valuable lesson about the importance of educating girls and protecting the environment. Parents and teachers can use this story about the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize to introduce children to basic economic concepts such as scarcity, natural resources, and human resources. Vivid, colorful images rendered in scratchboard and oil work extremely well to highlight Wangari Maathia's background and contributions in environmental activism.
Recognizing their daughter's talents and her willingness to learn, Wangari's parents decided to send her to school. Wangari did so well, especially in the sciences, that she attended college and graduate school in the United States. She came back to Kenya to work as a university instructor, but much had changed. Logging and plantation farming had caused extensive deforestation, soil erosion, dirty water, malnutrition, and greater work burdens for women. Wangari's simple but powerful idea to start planting trees grew into a national movement that led to over 30 million new trees planted, and in 2004 she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Rich in its biographical narrative, this picture book gets high marks for its valuable lesson about the importance of educating girls and protecting the environment. Parents and teachers can use this story about the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize to introduce children to basic economic concepts such as scarcity, natural resources, and human resources. Vivid, colorful images rendered in scratchboard and oil work extremely well to highlight Wangari Maathia's background and contributions in environmental activism.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By G. C. Ward
Format:Hardcover
Seeds of Change is an important story. Whether you are studying women leaders, African cultures, or interdependence of the creatures of the natural world, this is a relevant narrative for your library. I am using it in an inquiry unit where questions about trees have led to a study of preserving our environment which ultimately led to a study of sustainable cultures and challenges. The story of Wangari Maathai provides insight into the importance of environmental sustainability, as well as a profound model of dedication and perseverance. The white-bordered figures and flowing lines of the illustrations carry the energy through the life story and the profound message of hope. I would recommend this story of a contemporary real life 'hero' for teaching grades 3-7, but engaging for adults as well.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Colleen
Format:Hardcover
I truly enjoyed this book. It is book that really teaches children the power of how a source from nature can direct your thinking and values of life. It has been a tool to show my son how to admire and respect nature. Along with this the book also tells how anything is possible. I think it is a wonderful book to share with children especially in these times.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Wangari Maathai came from a small village in Kenya. By sowing small seeds to grow trees and hope, she changed the world. One woman at a time, one village at a time, she offered support as taught by her ancestors. She beat all of the odds and became an amazing trailblazer for African women, Kenyans and environmentalists everywhere.
SEEDS OF CHANGE is a beautifully illustrated children's book about the life of an amazing woman, Wangari Maathai. The simple descriptive prose of Cullerton is brought to life by the vivid imagery of Sonia Lynn Sadler. Together these women create an inspiring and empowering children's book about women's rights, being kind to the planet, and one person's ability to make a world of difference.
Reviewed by Shawneda Marks
for The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
SEEDS OF CHANGE is a beautifully illustrated children's book about the life of an amazing woman, Wangari Maathai. The simple descriptive prose of Cullerton is brought to life by the vivid imagery of Sonia Lynn Sadler. Together these women create an inspiring and empowering children's book about women's rights, being kind to the planet, and one person's ability to make a world of difference.
Reviewed by Shawneda Marks
for The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
By Jenna
Format:Hardcover
is a biographical picture book on the life of scientist Wangari Mathai. Children will read about the struggles that Kenyan biologist Wangari Mathai overcame and how she eventually won the nobel peace award. This is also a great book to show children that there are parts of the world where girls are not able to receive a formal education.
The colorful and vibrant illustrations in this book are truly eye popping and really bring the text to life. I especially enjoyed the bright and vivid dresses that the women wore, these striking clothes made it seem like these woman were full of life and that they were important, which was really appropriate. This biography can really encourage and inspire children to take care of their environment and follow their dreams.
The colorful and vibrant illustrations in this book are truly eye popping and really bring the text to life. I especially enjoyed the bright and vivid dresses that the women wore, these striking clothes made it seem like these woman were full of life and that they were important, which was really appropriate. This biography can really encourage and inspire children to take care of their environment and follow their dreams.
By Stefanie
Format:Hardcover
I really enjoyed how this story followed a girl in her culture. Her name was Wangari Maathai and she was the oldest daughter in her family. Most of the children in the culture did what they were expected to do. Wangari did what her parents asked from her, but she was more interested in doing what her brother was doing. She wanted to get an education. Her parents knew she had a gift, and allowed her to follow her dreams and they were open to sending her to school. Wangari was successful in school and really enjoyed science. She was able to go all the way to graduate school in the United States. She continued following her dreams and helped plant trees, and she won a Noble Peace Price in 2004.
Reading this book really shows that if you follow your dreams, then you can be successful in life. Wangari knew she had more to offer than doing farm work for her family. She stayed true to herself and was able to help others. This story can really change a young child who thinks they can't do something great in life.
Reading this book really shows that if you follow your dreams, then you can be successful in life. Wangari knew she had more to offer than doing farm work for her family. She stayed true to herself and was able to help others. This story can really change a young child who thinks they can't do something great in life.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Changing the times: One Mind at a Time
The book "Seeds of Change" the story of Wangari Maathai a woman from Kenya that helped teach her country the importance of planting trees and women's rights. Read more
Published on May 22, 2011 by manny
5.0 out of 5 stars
I think I'll plant a tree...
"Seeds of Change" is an engaging story about a Kenyan girl who goes to school, defies gender limitations, and values the environment. Read more
Published on December 21, 2010 by Heather McGrail
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seeds of Change: Wangari's gift to the World
I really enjoyed reading and learning from this book. We can all learn from the story and the illustrations are beautiful.
Published on December 11, 2010 by Gretchy33
5.0 out of 5 stars
Non-preachy Lesson on Social Justice
SEEDS OF CHANGE tells the captivating story of Wangari Maathi. Vivid artwork covers the pages with illustrations that have a stained-glass vibrancy and capture the images of the... Read more
Published on November 14, 2010 by Carol
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely story and fantastic illustrations!
I should start this review off with, "A good book for your little nonfiction lover!" but I think that would exclude those little kiddos that love a good story, and this book has... Read more
Published on November 9, 2010 by Lishism
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding!
An outstanding, positive book for youths and adults alike. I would give this as a present to any child but I also enjoyed reading it myself. Read more
Published on November 4, 2010 by Danielle Blasko
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seeds of Change
Wangari Maathai's story is told in colorful language and illustrations that will inform and inspire.
Published on November 3, 2010 by EWB
5.0 out of 5 stars
A splendid teaching devise
I loved Seeds of Change. Besides being well-written and beautifully illustrated, this book introduces young people to another continent, the concept that one person can make a... Read more
Published on November 3, 2010 by Debbie from Hyde Park
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
I found this book to be a wonderful mix of art, history, prose and environmental awareness. My grandchildren LOVED it!! Read more
Published on November 2, 2010 by Berger
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