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53rd out of 78 books
—
131 voters
Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace
A picture book biography of scientist Wangari Maathai, the first African womanand first environmentalistto win a Nobel Peace Prize (in 2004), for her work planting trees in her native Kenya.
Hardcover, 40 pages
Published
April 1st 2010
by Lee & Low Books
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Audience: This book would mostly appeal to third through sixth graders. It is a much too complex storyline and background for younger elementary children to comprehend fully.
Even though the main character is a girl, this story can be beneficial for both boys and girls to read. Girls may like it more because it really pushes the rights that women have.
Appeal: This age group would be attracted to the colorful pictures in the book, and they would like to hear about all of the interesting backgroun...more
Audience: The writing has a balanced combination of simple and complex sentences allowing this to read by intermediate and advanced level children. Students of every culture background would benefit from reading a story set in Kenya. The main character is a girl who faces challenges and would be inspirational for young girl readers.
Appeal: The illustrations are beautiful and exotic to the average American student. The non-fiction base of the book attracts young readers because they can learn abo...more
Appeal: The illustrations are beautiful and exotic to the average American student. The non-fiction base of the book attracts young readers because they can learn abo...more
**Spoiler Alert** This was an amazing picture book; I was interested the whole time I was reading the book. As I was reading the book, I kept wondering if it was based on a true story, once I got to the end there was a page that discussed it was a true story. I liked this book because although it was a picture book, it was information at the same time. I like how the book used similes, for example it says, “Wangari had an idea as small as a seed but as tall as a tree that reaches for the sky.” (...more
1. Junior, Biography
2. This biographical text focuses on the life of a Kenyan woman,Wangari Maathai, whom was the first African woman awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts as an environmentalist and women's rights activist. Wangari was best known for her Greenbelt Movement, in which she planted and encouraged others to plant trees. These trees changed Kenya for the better; Kenya's economy was strengthened and their environment cleansed.
3. I would like to critique this book on i...more
2. This biographical text focuses on the life of a Kenyan woman,Wangari Maathai, whom was the first African woman awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts as an environmentalist and women's rights activist. Wangari was best known for her Greenbelt Movement, in which she planted and encouraged others to plant trees. These trees changed Kenya for the better; Kenya's economy was strengthened and their environment cleansed.
3. I would like to critique this book on i...more
The story is about a girl named Wangari, who is from Kenya. The author of the book was inspired by the biography of Wangari Maathai. Wangari grew up in Kenya and faced many challenges because in Kenya women didn't go to school. However, her parents decided to sent her to school and she was very successful. She then decided to expand her knowledge and she went to the United States to study. After, Wangari went back to Kenya motivated and helped the women. Wangari and the women from the countries...more
Seeds of Change presents an interesting view of the Wangari Maathai's childhood, drawing on her autobiographical writing. Although it was unusual for girls to receive formal education in rural Kenya, Wangari’s parents agreed to send her to school. Wangari’s determination and hard work continued as she went first to high school in the city, and then to university in the United States to study biology. She returned to Kenya to teach and inspire women scientists, but became concerned when she saw t...more
I won this book through First Reads - thanks GoodReads!
My children and I all loved this book. I think the incredibly beautiful, vibrant illustrations reeled us in, but my kids' second and third requests for a reading were based on the tale. This is a true story of a Kenyan woman who educated herself, worked to save her country and especially its women through preservation of natural resources, and was inevitably thrown in jail. She grew stronger through her difficult experiences, though, and bec...more
My children and I all loved this book. I think the incredibly beautiful, vibrant illustrations reeled us in, but my kids' second and third requests for a reading were based on the tale. This is a true story of a Kenyan woman who educated herself, worked to save her country and especially its women through preservation of natural resources, and was inevitably thrown in jail. She grew stronger through her difficult experiences, though, and bec...more
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and unique - a delight for the eyes. The text starts out with sweet stories about Wangari as a child learning about the importance of trees from her mother; this really engaged my little reader and gave the story a great foundation. I think the biographical detail is too sophisticated for my preschooler as it gets to Wangari's adult life ("Wangari was elected to the parliament of Kenya"; "They paid some corrupt police officers to arrest Wangari"), but m...more
Format: Biographical Reference
Format: Biographical Reference
Item Title (APA Style):
Johnson, J. (2010). Seeds of change: Planting a path to peace. New York: Lee and Low Books.
Call number:
SB63.M22 J646 2010
Reviewed in:
Wildner, K. (2010). Book reviews. [Review of the book Seeds of change: Planting a path to peace, by J. Johnson]. Library Media Connection, 29(3):90. Retrieved June 16, 2012, from Academic Search Premier.
Description:
This biography is about the life of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize-winne...more
Format: Biographical Reference
Item Title (APA Style):
Johnson, J. (2010). Seeds of change: Planting a path to peace. New York: Lee and Low Books.
Call number:
SB63.M22 J646 2010
Reviewed in:
Wildner, K. (2010). Book reviews. [Review of the book Seeds of change: Planting a path to peace, by J. Johnson]. Library Media Connection, 29(3):90. Retrieved June 16, 2012, from Academic Search Premier.
Description:
This biography is about the life of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize-winne...more
This is both a biography of Wangari Maathai and an international call to action. Wangari grew up in rural Kenya. Despite the odds stacked against her, she was sent to school as a child. Her parents cared for her educational growth and agreed to send her to high school in the city. After receiving a degree in biology in the United States, Wangari returns to Kenya with the hopes of encouraging more females to continue with education and, specifically, the sciences. She leads a movement to plant tr...more
Audience: This book is for all who love an inspiring biography. It is also for those who love stories about saving our earth and about those who make a difference. The reading level makes it an intermediate book, but younger kids could enjoy and learn from it if they were given support during the reading.
Appeal: This book is truly inspiring, it tells the remarkable details of Wangari's life, but it also speaks to the difference one person could make. It would make an excellent selection to highl...more
Appeal: This book is truly inspiring, it tells the remarkable details of Wangari's life, but it also speaks to the difference one person could make. It would make an excellent selection to highl...more
This book is a beautiful introduction to the life of Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan woman who started the Green Belt Movement, spoke for women's rights, became an environmental leader in the Kenyan government, and won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. While a picture book, I would recommend it to 3rd through 6th graders, as the themes lend themselves directly to a community service and social justice project, which is perfect for that age group. Inspiring and succinct, the most incredible message is on the...more
Seeds of Change is a very powerful and inspiring book. I think that this book is geered more towards women, but men could take away the same message. After I read this book i wanted to go out and try to make a difference in the world. I loved the way that she kept trying to make a difference even when people told her that she couldnt. This book helps teach kids that even though someone may tell you that you cant do something or try to put you down that you need to keep trying till you get what y...more
Seeds of Change is a beautifully illustrated picture book biography explaining the life of the 2004 Noble Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. This thorough overview of Wangari’s life, describes her determination as a women as she fights to attend school, receive a college education in the United States, and save the people and land of Kenya. The vibrant and colorful quilt like illustrations make this story come alive as it engages readers ages 9-14. Students will benefit from the biographical in...more
Based on true events of Wangari Maathai, the first African female environmentalist, this touching story tells us about her courageous attempt to stand up for the female rights during the prevalent gender inequality. It is a great book to demonstrate the empowering value of education and the meaningful career it can bring to a female individual of color.
From an early age, Wangari, a young girl in Kenya, has been taught to respect nature and treat it with a nurturing love. It was not common for gi...more
From an early age, Wangari, a young girl in Kenya, has been taught to respect nature and treat it with a nurturing love. It was not common for gi...more
May 01, 2013
Ernestine
added it
Seeds of Change is a biographical picture book on the life of Wangari Maathai. This is a multicultural book that gives details of how people lived in Kenya and what their beliefs were. The illustrations were wonderful! I think this in an intermediate level book. This book is well written, and very informational but enjoying at the same time. A must-read and must recommend book!!I loved the illustrations in this book. The story line itself could produce quality dialogue. Underlying theme is equal...more
Audience: 3rd - 6th grade history lovers
Award: 2011 John Steptoe Award for New Talent (Coretta Scott King Award List)
Appeal: This book has beautiful illustrations. It is a biography that fools you into thinking it is a picture book. The story is uplifting and awe-inspiring. It is hard to find books about female scientists and African female scientists at that. Wangari Maathai studied in Nairobi and then in Kansas and later went back to teach at the University of Nairobi. She founded the "Green B...more
Award: 2011 John Steptoe Award for New Talent (Coretta Scott King Award List)
Appeal: This book has beautiful illustrations. It is a biography that fools you into thinking it is a picture book. The story is uplifting and awe-inspiring. It is hard to find books about female scientists and African female scientists at that. Wangari Maathai studied in Nairobi and then in Kansas and later went back to teach at the University of Nairobi. She founded the "Green B...more
Wangari teaches other women how to plant the seeds of change. They change the landscape with their seeds and their lives with education. In 2004, Wangari became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The illustrations are eye-popping with color and draw the reader into the book. Sonia Lynn Sadler was the recipient of the John Steptoe Award for New Talent for her illustrations, from the Coretta Scott King Book Award (for promoting Non-violence and Social Justice). Jen Cullerton Joh...more
This is another fantastic book about the amazing Wangari, affectionately known as Mama Miti. The artwork is a treasure to behold and enhances a quality story about a woman who was committed to changing her beloved country Kenya. This is a great book not only about nature, the environment and fighting the political and legal systems, but is also an excellent book for girls to learn the importance of a college education to make a difference in their lives and those around them. This is also an exc...more
We have already seen two incredible picture books about Wangari, so I was hesitant to pick this one up. I should never have hesitated. This book adds to Wangari’s story by telling the story of her youth growing up in the bounty of Kenya. Her mother teaches her about each tree and what it offers. Though it was unusual for girls in Kenya to be educated, Wangari’s parents saw how bright she was and sent her to school. After she graduated from elementary school, Wangari went to the city to continue...more
Feb 05, 2011
Lisa Vegan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all interested in Maathai, trees, ecology & the environment, women’s rights, beautiful books
A while back I read a couple picture books about Wangari Maathai, including Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai and Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa, and I loved them both, and I’m interested in reading her autobiography and her book about the Green Belt Movement, and any biographies about her, but for now I found this new to me picture book, published in 2010. This is by far my favorite of the books I’ve read so far.
The illustrations are so special: lush,...more
The illustrations are so special: lush,...more
3 likes · like · see review
The beautiful children's book tells the story of Wangari Maathai a Kenyan woman who won the Nbel Peace Prize in 2004 for her Green Belt Movement. She is a modern day version of Johnny Appleseed and inspired by her mother spends her life planting trees, encouraging others to plant and promoting the rights of women and children.
The illustrator, Sonia Lynn Sadler, is to be commended for her interesting illustrations that all look like wonderful jigsaw puzzles. The colors and shapes are exquisite.
The illustrator, Sonia Lynn Sadler, is to be commended for her interesting illustrations that all look like wonderful jigsaw puzzles. The colors and shapes are exquisite.
Seeds of Change is based on a true story. This is an incredibly inspring book. The metaphor that is portrayed in this book fits it very nicely. I would put this book in my future classroom in the nonfiction section. The illustrations in this book were very authentic and native to the main character's home country of Kenya. Students could get a little introduction into the culture of Kenya from this book. Seeds of Change also teaches children about dreams, motivation, and never giving up.
4.5 stars
Liked this book a lot. Love the illustrations. Important message of Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, who returned to her native Kenya to help plant trees and spread an environmental message. At a time when girls did not really go to school, Wangari's parents sent her to school, and she would eventually graduate from college. She always worked to blend her cultural traditions with new understandings. Another favorite picture book biography.
Liked this book a lot. Love the illustrations. Important message of Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, who returned to her native Kenya to help plant trees and spread an environmental message. At a time when girls did not really go to school, Wangari's parents sent her to school, and she would eventually graduate from college. She always worked to blend her cultural traditions with new understandings. Another favorite picture book biography.
Oct 09, 2011
Krista the Krazy Kataloguer
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
read-childrens-books,
read-womens-history
This is the fourth picture book about Wangari Maathai that I've read. Author Johnson starts with her childhood and describes her education and accomplishments. My favorite sentence comes at the end: "She understood that persistence, patience, and commitment--to an idea as small as a seed but as tall as a tree that reaches for the sky--must be planted in every child's heart." Having read Maathai's book Unbowed, I know that her life was about so much more than just planting trees, and Johnson has...more
Audience: 2nd-5th grade students, teachers, environmentalists, naturalists
Appeal: This is a true story about Wangari Maathai. It is an empowering story about how Wangari, a Kenyan biologist, overcomes obstacles to become the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This story can inspire boys and girls to take care of their environment and pursue their dreams.
(2011 Coretta Scott King Award- John Steptoe Award for New Talent)
Appeal: This is a true story about Wangari Maathai. It is an empowering story about how Wangari, a Kenyan biologist, overcomes obstacles to become the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This story can inspire boys and girls to take care of their environment and pursue their dreams.
(2011 Coretta Scott King Award- John Steptoe Award for New Talent)
This book is for a boy or girl who are in the grade 2 to 4 for them to read. This book is based on a true story about a girl named Wangari who wants to go to school and does get to go. And grows up to stand up to what she believes in and to never give up, no matter what anyone tries to do or say. She brings life and nature back to Kenya just by standing up to what she believes in and more.
This book as great pictures and bright color.
Coretta Scott King Book Award Recipients 2012
This book as great pictures and bright color.
Coretta Scott King Book Award Recipients 2012
Seeds of Change tells the story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. While the text is long, the story is clearly and simply told. With support, this book could be used with students in second grade and up. The artwork is also beautiful, including interesting and vibrant details. There are many important messages in this book and I hope to use it in a thoughtful way in the classroom.
Seeds of change is a story which inspires many people and students to have a higher level of education and Wangari Maathai's is one of them. it is vital to provide this type of stories for divers students to encourage them to complete their studies. This story values education aspect in people's life whether they are poor or rich. As a teacher, i will read it aloud for grades level.
The inspiring true story of how Kenya's Wangari Maathai pursued her education (at a time when many most Kenyan girls were not sent to school), became a biologist (at a time when few Kenyan women pursued careers in science), founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 to restore Kenya's ecosystem, and won a the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
Beautifully illustrated with rich colors and bold lines.
Beautifully illustrated with rich colors and bold lines.
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Sep 10, 2012 06:16pm