Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Temple Grandin

Oct 31, 2012 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: andy, autism, biography

Good biography and story about Temple Grandin's interests and how she made these interests into a successful career. However, I think the author got a little strident about the animal welfare issues near the end of the book. We were reading it for the autism -- I ended up skipping extensive descriptions of animal slaughter. Andy would say "again?" when I started another paragraph about the horrors of factory farming.

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Apr 08, 2013 Joan rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Animal lovers and disability stories

Shelves: animals, biography, disabled-interests, enviromental, nonfiction, ya-books

This was a fascinating book! Grandin is an Asperger's Syndrome person. Often these people get deeply involved in their passions. Grandin's happened to be cows and other livestock animals. She has produced huge changes in how the livestock industry works. Because of her condition she has an uncanny aptitude for placing herself in the mindset of various animals, especially cows. She is probably the only person ever to win awards from both the livestock organizations and PETA. She has made life inc...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-non-fiction, reviewed-for-emmet-o-neal-library-c

Temple Grandin didn't have it easy as a child. Growing up with autism in a time when most people didn't know what it was, she faced bullying at school and discrimination from plenty of people who thought she wasn't capable of succeeding, including her father. She had trouble understanding spoken language. Because her senses worked differently from other people's, she was often in pain or distress from noises and situations that didn't bother anyone else, like the school bell ringing between clas...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Emmet O'Neal Library- Children's Department rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, nonfiction

Temple Grandin didn't have it easy as a child. Growing up with autism in a time when most people didn't know what it was, she faced bullying at school and discrimination from plenty of people who thought she wasn't capable of succeeding, including her father. She had trouble understanding spoken language. Because her senses worked differently from other people's, she was often in pain or distress from noises and situations that didn't bother anyone else, like the school bell ringing between clas...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Tonya rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a great book; I think every kid should read it. It explains how not everyone is the same, how some people's brains just work differently from other people, but that doesn't meant they don't have talents or something to offer the world. I think it would be good for older elementary students through adults.

Temple is autistic, but thanks to a mother who believed in her (and refused to believe she was retarded and needed to go to an institution), she learned how to verbalize what few autist...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Victoria rated it 5 of 5 stars

For younger readers, this book serves as a wonderful introduction into more than a simple biography of Temple Grandin’s life, but also works to introduce children to autism, animal welfare and offers advice that would be helpful to higher functioning children on the autism spectrum, as well as to other children. A solid overview of Grandin’s life is given here, with details about her schooling as well as her professional successes. Her extraordinary life, and the way she far surpassed all the ex...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Ed added it

Montgomery, S. (2012). Temple Grandin: How the girl who loved cows embraced Autism and changed the world. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 148 pp. ISBN: 978-0-547-44315-7. (Hardcover); $17.99.

Until I received this book, I did not know Temple Grandin. I did not see the movie. I did not know about her work with fast food companies. Zilch. Zip. Nada. What a shame! Montgomery’s book brings this amazing woman’s accomplishments to life in a way that inspires readers to do additional research. What better com...more Montgomery, S. (2012). Temple Grandin: How the girl who loved cows embraced Autism and changed the world. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 148 pp. ISBN: 978-0-547-44315-7. (Hardcover); $17.99.

Until I received this book, I did not know Temple Grandin. I did not see the movie. I did not know about her work with fast food companies. Zilch. Zip. Nada. What a shame! Montgomery’s book brings this amazing woman’s accomplishments to life in a way that inspires readers to do additional research. What better compliment can we give to an author and her book? I am hoping that those reading this review already know about Grandin. Regardless, readers will adore the limpid writing and excellent narrative flow chronicling Grandin’s influence in the way we treat livestock raised exclusively for its food value—the cows that give their lives for our hamburgers. In addition to raising awareness among students who often have this mistaken notion that hamburgers come from stores, Montgomery shows, in student friendly language, how Grandin used her autism to understand the world. Too often students fear the limitations of their own selves (I am too short, too tall, too fat, too skinny, too ugly, too uncoordinated, too sensitive, …). In this book, we have someone embracing herself, her whole self, and thinking of that as a strength to be manipulated to make the world a better place. Grandin’s autism provides her with insight about ways to reduce the anxiety in cows raised for food. She designed ways for large corporations, like McDonald’s, to slaughter cows with much less stress and waste. Cows panic when they sense danger. They can injure themselves and other cows, which reduces the amount of beef that the herd yields. The fast food industry eventually recognized that listening to Grandin saved them money and produced a better hamburger. Montgomery’s description of Grandin’s childhood, her gradual acquisition of her doctorate, and the struggles she had getting ranchers to listen to her ideas about how to treat animals is riveting. While squeamish students may have trouble looking at photographs of slaughter houses and diagrams of what is, essentially, a death march for cows, it is equally important that they be aware of the issues Montgomery and Grandin raise about how we feed our citizens. This book is equally comfortable in elementary, middle school, and high school libraries. Make sure your students know about Temple Grandin!
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Nov 28, 2012 Barb Middleton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, nonfiction-narrative, good-read-aloud

The first time I heard the fireworks go off at the Chinese temple next to school, the deafening noise made me cover my ears and flee to the quiet indoors. It sounded like the start of World War III. When Temple Grandin hears noises they are amplified; a ringing school bell can sound like the Chinese fireworks did to me. She has autism and describes the pain loud sounds cause her. Autism can cause a super sensitivity not only to sound but light, touch and other senses. For Temple the touch of clo...more The first time I heard the fireworks go off at the Chinese temple next to school, the deafening noise made me cover my ears and flee to the quiet indoors. It sounded like the start of World War III. When Temple Grandin hears noises they are amplified; a ringing school bell can sound like the Chinese fireworks did to me. She has autism and describes the pain loud sounds cause her. Autism can cause a super sensitivity not only to sound but light, touch and other senses. For Temple the touch of clothes hurts her skin. Temple compares her nervous system to an animals. She explains how this allows her to think and feel like an animal; plus she sees images in her head instead of words which is how animals process the world around them. Her autism is what makes her unique and has led to her inventing world-class facilities designed for livestock being slaughtered that are cruelty-free and humane. Her story explains how she has become one of the most influential people in the treatment of livestock today.

This biography traces Temple's life from a young girl to successful professor with a powerful narrative that allows the reader to see more closely what it is like for an autistic person dealing with hypersensitivity to the world around her, as well as, having difficulties understanding other people's thoughts and expressions. The author addresses misconceptions about autism and explains that the causes of it come from the brain growing too fast at the wrong time which creates problems in the cortex. Temple is also painted as a person who doesn't care what others think, does not give up, and works hard.

Honestly, I didn't think I would like this book so much. But I did. Much of this is due to excellent writing. The narrative of the story shows how Temple made friends and was teased when growing up. The author's voice is not preachy or even apparent, at least to this reader. The emotional punch comes from the story itself and the seamless intertwining of facts with the narration make for a fast and fascinating read.

I've read a quite a few great books recently with covers that have adult-appeal, not kid-appeal. Crow. No Crystal Stair. Now this one. How the heck am I supposed to sell a book with that kind of cover to a 10-year old? Cows? Come on... really? I hate it when I have a great book but know that I'm going to have to book talk and gush about it ad nauseum to get any kid to read it. Too bad they don't use the Internet and survey kids with different covers getting their input on what makes an attractive book. I know that my adult perspective is quite different than theirs and find it fascinating when I solicit them. That might make a fun lesson. Have students say what they like about covers of books and write a persuasive essay to a publisher on what makes a good cover. Ummmm, I'm drifting off topic, aren't I? Anyhoo, read this book. Temple is quite a firecracker. Har. Har.(less)

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Nov 12, 2012 Wendy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-award-possibilities

A good, fun read, though not necessarily on a literary level--I didn't see anything to make this a Newbery. In particular, the organization felt haphazard at times, and the language is occasionally clunky. ("Back then, that future seemed farther away than the clouds in the sky." Maybe an attempt at putting a visual to a concept in order to mimic Grandin's thinking? It readsawkwardly to me.) Sometimes the author throws in clauses that seem apropos of nothing, making me wonder what point she was t...more

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Sep 15, 2012 BAYA Librarian rated it 5 of 5 stars

A biography of one of the world’s most well-known and respected autistic persons, Temple Grandin – an animal scientist, advocate for the humane treatment of animals, professor, and revolutionary –overcame monumental challenges and changed the way an entire industry understands animals. Grandin was born in an era when autism was considered juvenile schizophrenia; her own father called her “retarded” and “crazy” and tried to institutionalize her, but Grandin’s mother supported her as the bullied d...more A biography of one of the world’s most well-known and respected autistic persons, Temple Grandin – an animal scientist, advocate for the humane treatment of animals, professor, and revolutionary –overcame monumental challenges and changed the way an entire industry understands animals. Grandin was born in an era when autism was considered juvenile schizophrenia; her own father called her “retarded” and “crazy” and tried to institutionalize her, but Grandin’s mother supported her as the bullied daughter navigated her way through school, college, and into worlds dominated by (often intolerant and bigoted) males –ranching, factory farming, and engineering .

Autism is explained as a mental condition still not well-understood and often marked by a strong reaction to sensory overload, panic attacks, obsessive attention to detail, disinclination towards change, photographic memory, thinking in imagery rather than words, and a disconnect to the subtleness of human emotions. Grandin believes that her condition allows her to think like an animal – especially prey or farmed animals such as cows, horses, and pigs – and to intuit what triggers fear, anxiety, or peacefulness in them. Believing that worldwide vegetarianism is unrealistic, the focus of her work is to eradicate fear and abusive treatment in factory farms and ranches, to acknowledge that animals have feelings and to provide them decent, careful treatment and a dignified death. She strives to set and maintain industry standards that demand transparency and accountability and to support these goals nationwide. In striving to achieve these goals, Grandin has become one of the leading minds in her field and consults corporate giants such as McDonalds; her exceptional problem-solving skills, bravery in the face of adversity, and unprecedented work are inspirational and well-documented in this book.

The early chapters focus on Grandin’s infancy and school days; like others with her condition, she was unable to speak until age five and used outbursts and gestures to communicate. Concepts like neuro-diversity and the celebration of learning differences are explained and explored, and it is clear that Grandin’s success was achieved because of, not simply in spite of, her autism. Descriptions of her life are intimate and informative in this balanced and thoughtful biography. Pronunciation guides, “fast facts,” and lists of resources enhance the content, as do Grandin’s own words in the forward and her “advice for kids.” This well-illustrated and neatly packaged book is geared towards tweens and would appeal to middle school students. Some graphic depictions of animal abuse and slaughter could be disturbing, but are crucial to a full understanding of the subject. Highly recommended for school and public libraries; for students in grades 4+.
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Aug 24, 2012 Peg rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, disabilities, highly-recommended, informational, kids_non-fiction, non-fiction, sj

Never in a million years did I expect to be so impacted by this book. When I closed its cover, I actually spoke "Wow!" aloud! Grandin has succeeded because of her autism, not in spite of it.
Montgomery weaves a good explanation of what autism is and how it can affect people through her account of Grandin's youth and college years. Grandin's approach to life is different than many; not only did it work for her, it brought her to a successful and meaningful career. Her ability to recognize pain and...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Vernon Area Public Library rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography

Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism when she was three years old. She didn't experience the world in the same way that other children did. She thought in pictures, rather than in words and ideas, so she had difficulties with speech and expressing herself.

While she had a challenging childhood, Temple's unique way of looking at the world gave her special skills that most other people don't have. She has a special way with animals. "If you figure out what emotion is driving behavior - from a...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Rachael Stein rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mock-newbery-2013

Temple Grandin is a fascinating woman. As Sy Montgomery points out, she is the only person to have been honored by both PETA and the Meat Industry. Her insights into the inner lives of livestock have revolutionized practices in the cattle industry, from feed lots to slaughterhouses. And she has accomplished all of it while struggling with moderate to severe autism - a condition that was even more poorly understood when Grandin was a child than it is now.

Montgomery's account of Grandin's life is...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: animals, bullies, families, biography, ncbla2013, science

Once again, Sy Montgomery uses her gift with words to explore a fascinating subject--in this case, autism and Temple Grandin, who may be one of the best known individuals with autism. In thirteen chapters, the author describes Grandin's growing up years and her mother's determination to find the right school for her daughter while her father wanted her institutionalized. Deftly, Montgomery finds the words to describe how Temple experiences her world, often seeing highly detailed images rather th...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Lynn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-for-work, education, non-fiction, picture-books, biography

A wonderful biography of Temple Grandin for kids. Temple Grandin was born to a well off family in the 1950s with autism. Autism was a new diagnosis then but people with the problems have probably been around for a long time. In the 50s, autism was thought of as being a form of schizophrenia. Temple's mother accepted her, her father wanted her to go to a mental asylum or one for mentally retarded people. Temple was lucky because her family could afford private schooling, speech therapy and a psyc...more A wonderful biography of Temple Grandin for kids. Temple Grandin was born to a well off family in the 1950s with autism. Autism was a new diagnosis then but people with the problems have probably been around for a long time. In the 50s, autism was thought of as being a form of schizophrenia. Temple's mother accepted her, her father wanted her to go to a mental asylum or one for mentally retarded people. Temple was lucky because her family could afford private schooling, speech therapy and a psychologist. The psychologists Temple had were always of dubious help but she had them. Temple was allowed to go to elementary school and was accepted by all. In secondary school, she was sent to a much larger private school but the acceptance wasn't there. She received bad grades and didn't do well, failing almost all her classes. She did better in art and gym. Later she was sent to an exclusive boarding school which was better. When Temple's mother remarried, Temple was sent to live on a ranch in Arizona with her stepfather's sister. There she experienced the life of cattle and farm animals. As a teen, she recreated the chute which was used to send cattle on their way to slaughter. She felt they shouldn't be afraid. What sent her on to a Ph.D was a hugging machine she invented for herself due to panic attacks. She saw how a machine could calm calves when vaccinating them. She made one for herself and when psychologists and other questioned her sanity, a science teacher suggested an experiment to find out if people did feel comforted by being in the machine. The book goes on how Temple was sometimes mistreated by people and other times people stood up for her. She was able to better animals lives and has become famous for it. Most of her work is with cattle but she hopes to help pigs, chickens and goats too. Kosher plants ended up being a challenge because of the rules they use to kill meat actually ends up being abusive on the factory floor today. She is trying to help them keep their laws and minimize distress of cattle. One thing that bothered me that I hadn't know before was that the laws against mistreatment of animals is written only for mammals. Chickens and birds are covered and they are treated horribly. She wants and I too want laws to cover birds. We shouldn't hurt them. (less)

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Apr 26, 2012 Gwen the Librarian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, kidlit

From book jacket and endpapers to interviews and author notes, this is a beautifully and thoughtfully crafted book. Opening with a prologue from Temple Grandin herself, it is obvious that Sy Montgomery has a great respect for her subject and took care to tell about Grandin’s life in a well-rounded way, not smoothing over bumps in her personality or the difficulties that autism present and also not putting Grandin on a pedestal in spite of her many talents and accomplishments. The friendly and de...more

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May 12, 2012 Peacegal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: humane-education

Enlightening and engaging, students and adults alike will find something to love about this book. While the author writes for a tween/young teen audience, I’m willing to bet the average person of any age will learn quite a bit about autism from Temple Grandin.

Through her astounding story, titular visionary gives inspiration to youngsters who are autistic, suffer bullying, or simply feel “different” from their peers. She encourages readers to go against the grain and develop their own abilities....more

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Feb 11, 2013 Kristine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-chapter, non-fic, true-life-stories

I was hesitant to read this book. First of all when you search for "Temple Grandin" books, you have to wade through dozens to find the one written by Sy Montgomery. This tells me the story is overtold - like beating a dead horse (a phrase that works perfectly here). So I started out already knowing I wouldn't like a book just because it tells a good story. Just because a story can be told, doesn't mean it should be told by 100+ people. So I really wanted to see what was different that Montgomery...more I was hesitant to read this book. First of all when you search for "Temple Grandin" books, you have to wade through dozens to find the one written by Sy Montgomery. This tells me the story is overtold - like beating a dead horse (a phrase that works perfectly here). So I started out already knowing I wouldn't like a book just because it tells a good story. Just because a story can be told, doesn't mean it should be told by 100+ people. So I really wanted to see what was different that Montgomery would bring to the table. I am quite familiar with the story, and have seen the HBO biopic starring Claire Danes (which I loved).

In the end I think she pulled it off and convinced me. It's not really an easy subject to introduce to children: autism, animal rights, and gender discrimination. There were a few nuggets of information that were fun to uncover and I was super glad were included. Especially the appendix: 'Temple's Advice for Kids On the Spectrum'. I feel this book has good perspective and advice for autism families on how to succeed in spite of and because of autism. Although the author is vegetarian she does pretty good at avoiding being preachy, just factual. It is interesting that Temple is the only person ever given awards from both PETA and the Meat Industry Hall of Fame.

I read the first chapter out loud to Darik and Ellie in the car. They were both hooked - so it's a good story that lays out information well for those of us ages 7-30+. I'm not sure Ellie is old enough to stay through the whole reading of the book, it's just above her age/interest level. But with the new Common Core Standards' emphasis on nonfiction -- these types of books are what I am looking forward Ellie reading more of in the years ahead. Inspiring, well-written, true stories of people who changed the world.

Speaking of changing the world, I feel Temple is this generation's Amelia Earhart. I had to put in a little paragraph about 'girl power', cuz that's where it's at. And how she lived her life of never letting a door shut on her that she knew she couldn't get through was a powerful story, literally and figuratively. I loved this paragraph that makes me want to aspire to be like Temple. In her home most of her mirrors were covered with stickies and to-do lists.

For Temple, mirrors aren't all that important. She doesn't really need to look at her reflection. She would rather look at her life.

p.s. I've seen some reviews comment on how much this book talks about the treatment of animals and cattle TOO MUCH!!! To which I ask, how can you know she changed the world, if you don't know/understand the world she changed?
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Jul 20, 2012 the golden witch. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, arc-galley, get-off-my-lawn-you-damn-kids, history, non-fiction, biography-or-autobiography, best-of-12, reviewed

Hi, my name is Usagi, and I’m autistic. More specifically, I have Asperger’s Syndrome, one of the “lighter” forms of the disorder on the autism spectrum. I’ve been mainstreamed (meaning never put in special education, but instead with a classroom with neurotypical (“normal”) kids my entire life. And never have I been so happy to have been raised as such. I was dubbed highly gifted in fourth grade, I did honors and AP classes (for everything but math), I went to UCSB, majored in Japanese, went t...more Hi, my name is Usagi, and I’m autistic. More specifically, I have Asperger’s Syndrome, one of the “lighter” forms of the disorder on the autism spectrum. I’ve been mainstreamed (meaning never put in special education, but instead with a classroom with neurotypical (“normal”) kids my entire life. And never have I been so happy to have been raised as such. I was dubbed highly gifted in fourth grade, I did honors and AP classes (for everything but math), I went to UCSB, majored in Japanese, went to Japan and lived there while going to ICU in Tokyo, and graduated with a decent GPA in 2007.

In short, I am an autism success story – and success stories are not often talked about, which is incredibly frustrating. We are always spoken of in softer terms, couched in “tough stuff” and it’s as if we’re surrounded by eggshells upon which everyone has to walk on.

We’re tougher than that. And people like Temple Grandin, Bill Gates, and others only prove that.

That being said, I’ve found it incredibly hard to find books that deal with autism (or people with it) that actually take us seriously. Much like I have massive problems with Autism Speaks with wanting to shove everyone in Special Ed instead of mainstreaming when it’s an option (seriously, guys, it’s like trying to shove the GLBT community back in the closet), I also have problems with a lot of YA/MG books that have tried and failed to tackle the concept and issue of autism while giving respect to the individuals who have it.

I’m happy to announce that this fabulous little book does both – tackles the subject, gives the subject respect, AND is wonderfully easy to understand for the age of any person reading it. Sy Montgomery has really done Grandin a solid here, and has captured her life very eloquently. If you’re trying to find a book to introduce the issue of autism to any age group (but especially the youngest ones), I highly recommend this biography that speaks of the blossoming neurodiversity movement through Grandin’s experiences.

Grandin herself gives us a very simple introduction, getting our feet wet (as the audience) – telling us very briefly about her life and how autism affects her, as well as the goals of the biography in general. This is a very straightforward yet gentle way to ease people into the subject matter to come, and it automatically got my attention.

As for Montgomery, she has done an absolutely fantastic job with the whole book. From its style of storytelling (as if this were fiction and not fact) to the tidbits on how to help kids with autism, explaining more about the condition and an extensive bibliography at the end giving us a lot more resources for those who want to read up more on Grandin. What absolutely chilled me (and in a good way) was the way she explained how those with autism (present company included) experience the physical senses, and how sometimes those “senses (are) on fire”. I’ve never seen anyone be able to describe how sensory overload so simply and so well before, and for that I’m profoundly grateful. I too have sensory overload problems, and I’ve tried in the past to explain how it works, but failed. Now I have a great reference for people who want to know how it works.

This book balances autism education and Grandin’s life story very well – both in easy-to-digest forms. To be blunt, we need more books like this about those with autism both in all genres. By the end of the book, Montgomery builds a steady excitement that will make you want to cheer for Grandin and her accomplishments, as well as give those who know those with autism a new way at looking at them and interacting with them. The comparison with how animals think and how some of those with autism on the spectrum think was spot on, and I think it’ll definitely help neurotypical kids understand more about aneurotypical kids a bit better. It also talks a lot about animal rights, how Grandin’s work ties into them, and how important they are – never a bad thing to introduce to a young audience. While it does make some sweeping generalizations about Big Agriculture and livestock farming in general that I wasn’t really into, it’s at least something to get the conversation going.

But quite possibly my favorite part? Grandin’s final tips to kids with autism on how to manage it on their own in order to thrive. They’re great pointers, and it brought a smile on my face because I only got a fraction of that advice after getting diagnosed. Now it’s there for future generations to enjoy, and nothing makes me happier than that.

So if you’re looking for a respectful, eloquent way to introduce autism to anyone of any age, pick up “Temple Grandin”. It’s made my best of 2012 so far list, and its place there is well deserved. “Temple Grandin” is out now from Harcourt, so be sure to check it out – it’s seriously one of the best books on autism and on Grandin that I’ve read yet.

(posted to goodreads, shelfari, librarything, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)(less)

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Jun 03, 2012 Karin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, autism, animal-abuse, animal-behavior, animal-detectives, animal-health, animal-husbandry, animals, cattle, borrowed-from-the-library, audio-edition, young-adult-nonfiction

Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism when she was a small child (back in the days when autism wasn’t well-known or understood). Her father thought she should be institutionalized, but her mother worked hard to keep her daughter at home and give her the opportunities that “normal” children had. Temple didn’t always have it easy as she struggled to overcome many of the obstacles autistic people face (inability to read people’s expressions, sensitivity to noise/light/crowds, anxiety, teasing, b...more

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May 30, 2012 Natasha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: juvenile-nf, bio-memoirs

A fascinating look at a very unique woman. For young people wanting to read about women inventors, this is an engaging biography.

The writing is a bit wobbly in parts as if Montgomery was struggling to determine the age/reading level of her audience.

Another minor quibble: a section that seems to set up a dichotomy between autistic kids on the low-functioning side of the spectrum versus "geeky" autistic kids who go on to work in Silicon Valley, as if autistic kids are one or the other.

I think th...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Jenny rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, nonfiction, science

When I borrowed this ebook from the library, I didn't realize it was intended for younger readers. That wasn't a problem, though. Sy Montgomery's writing style is lucid and direct, equally suitable for the middle school set and for grown-ups!

There is no shortage of ink in the world written about and by Temple Grandin, and I look forward to consuming more of it. She is a singular and incredible person, and a great role model and object lesson in the arena of human difference. She has the ability...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Ann Carpenter rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

Temple Grandin is a fascinating person, and certainly one that many children should read about. Her story is inspirational on many levels.

This book was good, and a solid biography that I will recommend to students. There was just something slightly off in the tone that kept me from giving it more stars. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it nudged at me the whole time I was reading, keeping me from enjoying the book as much as I wanted to.

Although the author made it clear that not all peop...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Chelsea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jv-nonfiction

A really inspiring story, not just because of Temple's own bravery in making a name for herself in a rough world that doesn't always treat people who are different with respect, but also for the insight into what it can mean to have advocates in family members and teachers for those who think differently. I was impressed as well with the balanced discussion of how Temple weighs her love of animals with her work in the meat industry. I could have used fewer uses of the term "tomboy" - I know it w...more

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May 08, 2013 Susan Menk added it

Shelves: 645-library-materials-for-children, award-winner, biography, newbery

Tags: autism, cows, animal slaughter, seeing in pictures, biography, schools for autistic children, animals, slaughter houses, animals used for meat, industry

Temple Grandin was an autistic child whose mother refused to believe that her daughter was retarded. Temple's mother worked hard to give Temple the schooling and teachers who could see Temple for who she really was--a highly intelligent women with a love for animals. Since Temple sees in pictures, much like animals do, she was able to help...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Lu Benke rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-reviewed-juvenile-fiction-2012

A phenomenal book! I can see why this was on lists of Newbery contenders. It should have at least been an honor book! I’ve heard Dr. Grandin speak and it is almost written like she speaks—very clear and succinct. At first this led me to think the book was written for a much younger audience than the intended middle school age. It is honest about the pain she went through and the hurdles she overcame without being maudlin. The layout of the book is graceful with informational sidebars, photograph...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Kay Mcgriff rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sy Montgomery has written a compelling biography of one of the most inspiring people I have ever read about in Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 2012). As a teacher who has taught several students with autism, I thought I understood at least a little about this spectrum of disorder, but Temple Grandin had much to teach me from her life and work.

From her earliest childhood to her work as an adult, Grandin has ove...more Sy Montgomery has written a compelling biography of one of the most inspiring people I have ever read about in Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 2012). As a teacher who has taught several students with autism, I thought I understood at least a little about this spectrum of disorder, but Temple Grandin had much to teach me from her life and work.

From her earliest childhood to her work as an adult, Grandin has overcome obstacles that would have flattened many others. She did not learn to speak until age 5 and still thinks in images rather than words. Many doors closed on her (struggles in school, teachers without any understanding, prejudice against women), but she found a way to open another way to reach her goals. During school her school years, she found friends who shared her interest in building and inventing. Her connection with animals allowed her to design facilities that work animal behavior instead of against it. Those designs have revolutionized the way cattle and other animals are raised and brought to market.

I was horrified at some of the things Grandin had to endure. If her father’s temper and her classmate’s bullying wasn’t bad enough, the reaction of cattle ranchers to a college educated woman from the East was much worse. Some would cover her car with entrails or deliberately sabotage her designs, but she persevered any way. Often it was the differences in her brain from autism that allowed her to succeed. Her ability to think in images enabled her to identify what spooked cows and how to create designs to avoid problems. Her “fixation” on her ideas enabled her to persevere until people paid attention and enacted the changes she suggested.

In addition to telling the story of Grandin’s life, Montgomery also includes information about autism, the nature of genius, and factory farming. It’s no wonder that Temple Grandin is the only person to be honored by both PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Meat Industry Hall of Fame. Now I want to read more about and by Temple Grandin.

First published on my blog at http://kaymcgriff.edublogs.org/2012/1... (less)

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Aug 11, 2012 Annie Oosterwyk rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, social-psychology, technology

This was a quick read with interesting information and visuals. Describes what Temple's childhood was like- her father thought she was "retarded" and wanted her committed to a hospital. I find it interesting that after her siblings were introduced, they are never mentioned again. One final photo of Temple and her mother at the Emmy awards for her biopic is the sum of her family life.
The text is broken up by the insertion of "rules" or "how-to lists" for making life with autism easier or providi...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Chrissy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book about a fascinating subject. The author showed how Temple took what could have been a disability and really used it to her advantage. It was really interesting to hear that even now, as an adult, she is still learning how her thinking differs from others, but how she would not change anything about herself. The layout of the book was also very good, with the technical drawings and animal backgrounds on each page to keep things interesting and moving along. The author gives a good acco...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Daniela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, animals, childrens, non-fiction, learning-disabilities, young-adult

Summary:
Discover the true life story behind one of the most fascinating and talented animal welfare advocates of our generation. Diagnosed with autism from an early age, Temple Grandin grew up to overcome enormous barriers. Temple not only earned multiple university degrees, but went on to challenge the cruel system of factory farming, inspiring change and innovation every step of the way. Her true story of compassion and plain old fashioned hard work will enlighten and empower readers.

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