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Calling All Minds
From world-renowned autism spokesperson, scientist, and inventor Temple Grandin -- a book of personal stories, inventions, and facts that will blow young inventors' minds and make them soar.
Have you ever wondered what makes a kite fly or a boat float? Have you ever thought about why snowflakes are symmetrical, or why golf balls have dimples? Have you ever tried to make a kaleidoscope or build a pair of stilts?
In Calling All Minds, Temple Grandin explores the ideas behind all of those questions and more. She delves into the science behind inventions, the steps various people took to create and improve upon ideas as they evolved, and the ways in which young inventors can continue to think about and understand what it means to tinker, to fiddle, and to innovate. And laced throughout it all, Temple gives us glimpses into her own childhood tinkering, building, and inventing.
More than a blueprint for how to build things, in Calling All Minds Temple Grandin creates a blueprint for different ways to look at the world. And more than a call to action, she gives a call to imagination, and shows readers that there is truly no single way to approach any given problem--but that an open and inquisitive mind is always key.
*Includes a Bonus PDF with projects, patents, photos and drawings from the author.
Have you ever wondered what makes a kite fly or a boat float? Have you ever thought about why snowflakes are symmetrical, or why golf balls have dimples? Have you ever tried to make a kaleidoscope or build a pair of stilts?
In Calling All Minds, Temple Grandin explores the ideas behind all of those questions and more. She delves into the science behind inventions, the steps various people took to create and improve upon ideas as they evolved, and the ways in which young inventors can continue to think about and understand what it means to tinker, to fiddle, and to innovate. And laced throughout it all, Temple gives us glimpses into her own childhood tinkering, building, and inventing.
More than a blueprint for how to build things, in Calling All Minds Temple Grandin creates a blueprint for different ways to look at the world. And more than a call to action, she gives a call to imagination, and shows readers that there is truly no single way to approach any given problem--but that an open and inquisitive mind is always key.
*Includes a Bonus PDF with projects, patents, photos and drawings from the author.
Audio CD
First published May 15, 2018
125 people are currently reading
1125 people want to read
About the author
Temple Grandin
168 books1,771 followersMary Temple Grandin is an American academic and animal behaviorist. She is a prominent proponent of the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Grandin is a consultant to the livestock industry, where she offers advice on animal behavior, and is also an autism spokesperson.
Grandin is one of the first autistic people to document the insights she gained from her personal experiences with autism. She is a faculty member with Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University.
In 2010, Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, named her in the "Heroes" category. She was the subject of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning biographical film Temple Grandin. Grandin has been an outspoken proponent of autism rights and neurodiversity movements.
Grandin is one of the first autistic people to document the insights she gained from her personal experiences with autism. She is a faculty member with Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University.
In 2010, Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, named her in the "Heroes" category. She was the subject of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning biographical film Temple Grandin. Grandin has been an outspoken proponent of autism rights and neurodiversity movements.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 1, 2018
Temple Grandin is an inspirational person! This book has great information for budding inventors. It is a YA book with 25 projects.
I loved learning about this quote she has on a poster on the wall of her office, after it hung in her dorm room and apartments. It reads:
“You have two choices in life: you can dissolve into the mainstream, or you can be distinct. To be distinct, you must be different. To be different? You must strive to be what no one else but you can be...”
Read the book to find out a unique bit about the quotation’s author, Alan Ashley-Pitt.
I loved learning about this quote she has on a poster on the wall of her office, after it hung in her dorm room and apartments. It reads:
“You have two choices in life: you can dissolve into the mainstream, or you can be distinct. To be distinct, you must be different. To be different? You must strive to be what no one else but you can be...”
Read the book to find out a unique bit about the quotation’s author, Alan Ashley-Pitt.
December 5, 2018
This book was a little awkward to me. It was part personal memoir, part science experiments, part history. I liked what I learned in the book, but I think I would have preferred if it focused either more on her personal history or invention history. It just seemed disjointed to me and I wasn't sure where the narrative was going. Some of the home experiments seemed like they could be fun and different for children to try. The activities in the book are real experiments. It requires the kids to think and tweak their project beyond the basic instructions that are given to them. They have to try different fabrics for the kite, adjust the position of the wings on the airplane, it goes beyond robot copying that happens when children are presented with a craft project and try to mimic what the example is. It requires them to problem solve.
I liked that Grandin encouraged kids to question the world around and try to find out on their own how the TV works or why fruit rots. To be an active participant in the world around them instead of relying on parents and teachers to tell them everything.
I liked that Grandin encouraged kids to question the world around and try to find out on their own how the TV works or why fruit rots. To be an active participant in the world around them instead of relying on parents and teachers to tell them everything.
April 29, 2018
An interested reader could get behind one of two things in this book where Grandin "calls all minds". The historical text boxes that highlight inventions throughout history OR the biographical story she weaves and the science she shares to do fun things like create kites and water bombs.
The interspersed text boxes highlighting these historical figures is important to the context celebrating all of the minds that went into creating these inventions (first woman, first African American, etc.) but their perseverance or ineptitude that led to the accident that led to the discovery. Yet, it's sort of distracting, it's like reading two books in one.
I'm already fascinated by Grandin and have watched her TED talk and read her other books, but this one focuses on inspiring a new generation to create using simple things around basic concepts like levers and optical illusions.
The interspersed text boxes highlighting these historical figures is important to the context celebrating all of the minds that went into creating these inventions (first woman, first African American, etc.) but their perseverance or ineptitude that led to the accident that led to the discovery. Yet, it's sort of distracting, it's like reading two books in one.
I'm already fascinated by Grandin and have watched her TED talk and read her other books, but this one focuses on inspiring a new generation to create using simple things around basic concepts like levers and optical illusions.
March 16, 2020
Although this book was originally published in 2018, I recently discovered it when I was browsing on the non-fiction 'New Arrivals' shelf in the middle-grade section of the local public library. Since I had read about Temple Grandin for the first time a couple of months ago, I decided to give this book a try.
Grandin shares important facts about many other inventors from the past -- Mathematician Grace Murray Hopper, Thomas Alva Edison, and Elias Howe are just a few of the inventors the author references in this book. In fact, the book is probably three-quarters inventor bios and one-quarter projects.
Now, on to the projects in the book. There are five chapters of projects for kids to replicate. Things Made of Paper, Levers and Pulleys, Things Made of Wood, Things That Fly, and Optical Illusions. All historical photos, diagrams, and drawings in the book are black and white. Many diagrams submitted with patents of the past are included in this book.
The projects in the book are fairly simple and use common materials. There is a safety warning at the front of the book about using sharp or dangerous tools under adult supervision. I felt that many of these projects would be 'fun' activities for small groups of children to work on together in the classroom, in a youth group, in a club, or in Scouts.
The Handmade Paper, Kaleidoscope, Jumping Jack, Puppet Theater & Curtain, Marionette, Kite, Stereoscope, and Solar System Diorama projects caught my eye because they are things I would have been interested in making as a middle-grade learner. The Epilogue about Grandin's Squeeze Machine was interesting.
Recommended for upper middle-grade students interested in S.T.E.A.M. subjects and for educators, librarians, and science club leaders.
I borrowed this book from the local public library.
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Grandin shares important facts about many other inventors from the past -- Mathematician Grace Murray Hopper, Thomas Alva Edison, and Elias Howe are just a few of the inventors the author references in this book. In fact, the book is probably three-quarters inventor bios and one-quarter projects.
Now, on to the projects in the book. There are five chapters of projects for kids to replicate. Things Made of Paper, Levers and Pulleys, Things Made of Wood, Things That Fly, and Optical Illusions. All historical photos, diagrams, and drawings in the book are black and white. Many diagrams submitted with patents of the past are included in this book.
The projects in the book are fairly simple and use common materials. There is a safety warning at the front of the book about using sharp or dangerous tools under adult supervision. I felt that many of these projects would be 'fun' activities for small groups of children to work on together in the classroom, in a youth group, in a club, or in Scouts.
The Handmade Paper, Kaleidoscope, Jumping Jack, Puppet Theater & Curtain, Marionette, Kite, Stereoscope, and Solar System Diorama projects caught my eye because they are things I would have been interested in making as a middle-grade learner. The Epilogue about Grandin's Squeeze Machine was interesting.
Recommended for upper middle-grade students interested in S.T.E.A.M. subjects and for educators, librarians, and science club leaders.
I borrowed this book from the local public library.
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April 21, 2019
I was really excited to read this because in my line of work I hear a lot about Temple Grandin. And though this book was good with interesting facts and a lot of cool ideas to do with the kids I really wanted to know more about her and her life with her autism diagnosis. I will have to look around and find more from her because her story is definitely interesting to me.
Good Read!
Good Read!
November 30, 2018
Title: Calling All Minds
Author: Temple Grandin
Run Time: 4.5 hrs
Lexile level: 1060L
Recommendations & Comments: Not only does this book talk about various inventors, Ms. Grandin’s own background and discovery is very interesting. You even get directions on how to make several inventions! The introduction is read by Temple herself, but the rest of the book is read by Ann Richardson. I prefer Temple’s narration, because the speech pattern matches the text well. She also explains a little bit about her autism and I think many kids will relate to being different and will like knowing they can still be successful. Get away from the screens and discover this hand-on book!
_5_ out of 5 stars
Reviewed By: Emily K
Author: Temple Grandin
Run Time: 4.5 hrs
Lexile level: 1060L
Recommendations & Comments: Not only does this book talk about various inventors, Ms. Grandin’s own background and discovery is very interesting. You even get directions on how to make several inventions! The introduction is read by Temple herself, but the rest of the book is read by Ann Richardson. I prefer Temple’s narration, because the speech pattern matches the text well. She also explains a little bit about her autism and I think many kids will relate to being different and will like knowing they can still be successful. Get away from the screens and discover this hand-on book!
_5_ out of 5 stars
Reviewed By: Emily K
July 16, 2019
Unconventional autobiography -- sort of a workbook like the "Dangerous Book For Boys" series suggesting projects kids can make at home. I love Ms. Grandin's outlook on life and creativity. Great advice to visualize everything, and keep your hands on what you're working.
April 22, 2020
It was nice to hear the story behind the project ideas and fun facts. I recommend this for creatives, inventors, curious minds, unique personalities, and gifted students.
December 21, 2018
I am a huge fan of Temple Grandin, and I enjoyed this book very much. I think it leads the reader to a lot of new and different things, and gives many opportunities to connect with something you like to do. maybe best for an young middle grade reader, but very easy to understand and the projects are great!
December 2, 2018
Great book super fun, part biography, part projects, part famous people stories
November 20, 2018
Need some inspiration to finish those art projects? Temple Grandin won't take no for an answer. This book is partly instructions on the types of things kids used to do before TV invaded our brains, and partly a call to action. Will really speak to your maker kids.
November 15, 2018
For me, this was a 3 star, but she tells the story of how to build things using Physics. I teach Physics, so there really wasn't anything novel, but I imagine someone who needs some lightweight Physics might enjoy this. It is too bad I can't access the PDF with this Audio book.
November 7, 2018
This is a good book by Temple Grandin. It is focused toward young people with several activities spelled out in which people can practice building mechanical instruments. It also tells stories about Grandin's life and how she achieved greatness, despite many difficulties.
November 4, 2018
A nice example of bottom-up thinking by using simple inventions.
January 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure how to feel about this book. I had heard of Temple Grandin
and knew she was a person with high functioning autistic but that was about it. I have known people from Non-verbal Autistic to Asperger Autistic. I wasn't sure if it would be too above my head super genius, or too boring and remedial.
What I found was a fun book. Well told, interesting, and now I have about 7 projects I want to try. (She gives you the directions) It also gives me a better insight into autism. She grew up in a world that didn't understand autism. She stated that she is almost 70 years old, and over time, she has learned to overcome some of the autism quirks, (Like social interactions, public speaking, etc).
I like that she sees her condition as something she can change and adapt! That is cool!
I like that she points out the most inventors, and scientists were probably autistic and that sort of wiring, seeing pictures etc make for good scientific and investors. One attribute is because of the hyper focus. As we know there are all levels, and all spectrum's of autism so she isn't the poster child of how to be a successful person with a mostly non understood, condition . She is great at encouraging kids to "lay down the video games" and do things with your hands. " I like that she advocates for computer use, but that this generation are missing out on hands on things in school like auto mechanics and shop.
Fun, I would love to do this with a middle school science class!!
and knew she was a person with high functioning autistic but that was about it. I have known people from Non-verbal Autistic to Asperger Autistic. I wasn't sure if it would be too above my head super genius, or too boring and remedial.
What I found was a fun book. Well told, interesting, and now I have about 7 projects I want to try. (She gives you the directions) It also gives me a better insight into autism. She grew up in a world that didn't understand autism. She stated that she is almost 70 years old, and over time, she has learned to overcome some of the autism quirks, (Like social interactions, public speaking, etc).
I like that she sees her condition as something she can change and adapt! That is cool!
I like that she points out the most inventors, and scientists were probably autistic and that sort of wiring, seeing pictures etc make for good scientific and investors. One attribute is because of the hyper focus. As we know there are all levels, and all spectrum's of autism so she isn't the poster child of how to be a successful person with a mostly non understood, condition . She is great at encouraging kids to "lay down the video games" and do things with your hands. " I like that she advocates for computer use, but that this generation are missing out on hands on things in school like auto mechanics and shop.
Fun, I would love to do this with a middle school science class!!
February 5, 2021
I listened to the unabridged MP3 audio version of this title (read by Ann Richardson, Listening Library, 2018).
Mary Temple Grandin [1947-now], Professor of animal science at Colorado State University and consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, has been featured in several films, including one bearing her name (2010), “In the Woods” (2012), and “Speciesism: The Movie” (2013).
In this book, Grandin aims to inspire young readers to put down their phones and to pick up scissors, glue, milk cartons, and other tools/materials to build some of the things she herself worked on as a kid, relating her own experiences and challenges as she tried the projects. Some two-dozen projects, grouped into five sections (paper, wood, levers/pulleys, objects that fly, and optical illusions) are presented, along with descriptions of underlying inventions and patents. An accompanying PDF file includes drawings, photos, and images of patent applications.
As a spokesperson for autism, Grandin has given many seminars and talks, including this 20-minute TED talk, entitled “The World Needs All Kinds of Minds.” She is not the best speaker, because, as she indicates in her talk, she is a visual, detail-oriented thinker and has trouble dealing with abstractions. But, it’s still good to hear her views and learn about her success story.
https://www.ted.com/talks/temple_gran...
Mary Temple Grandin [1947-now], Professor of animal science at Colorado State University and consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, has been featured in several films, including one bearing her name (2010), “In the Woods” (2012), and “Speciesism: The Movie” (2013).
In this book, Grandin aims to inspire young readers to put down their phones and to pick up scissors, glue, milk cartons, and other tools/materials to build some of the things she herself worked on as a kid, relating her own experiences and challenges as she tried the projects. Some two-dozen projects, grouped into five sections (paper, wood, levers/pulleys, objects that fly, and optical illusions) are presented, along with descriptions of underlying inventions and patents. An accompanying PDF file includes drawings, photos, and images of patent applications.
As a spokesperson for autism, Grandin has given many seminars and talks, including this 20-minute TED talk, entitled “The World Needs All Kinds of Minds.” She is not the best speaker, because, as she indicates in her talk, she is a visual, detail-oriented thinker and has trouble dealing with abstractions. But, it’s still good to hear her views and learn about her success story.
https://www.ted.com/talks/temple_gran...
September 13, 2018
Temple Grandin always has an interesting perspective on things, in this case, how to build stuff and invent new things. I loved her perspective on failure and on persistence and even more on seeing things in your own way, and not letting anyone turn you into someone you're not. That said, the way this book is written makes it a little hard to follow. Grandin talks about her own experiences inventing and building stuff, interspersed with project instructions about many of the things she has built in her lifetime. Also, she discusses inventors, inventions and the patent process, with plenty of pull out boxes about the inventors and inventions. I wish this book had been organized a little bit differently so we could have taken a deeper dive into Grandin's stories of inventing as a child and re-inventing as an adult. Or a deeper dive into the inventors and inventions Grandin loves so much. Lastly, the projects are fun--some are wonderful and some are weird woodworking, that don't quite go with the invention portion of the book.
August 6, 2018
Inspiring STEM book! Temple Grandin does a great job encouraging experimentation and hands-on knowledge for young learners and demonstrating the importance of bottom-up thinking, different ways people learn and interact, deductive reasoning, problem-solving, and patience. I learned a lot from an Grandin's multiple examples of historical inventors and inventions that changed the world.
This book offers simple instructions for various projects that use recycled items and scraps to teach basic concepts and design. Temple Grandin speaks frankly about her social issues which she explains was the worst in high school, and is positive about how shared activities with peers, like building rockets, helped with the social tension. I appreciate the cultural shift that Silicone Valley has fostered, an appreciation for and pride for nerds that I believe is well deserved. This innovative book will inspire and educate the geniuses of the future!
This book offers simple instructions for various projects that use recycled items and scraps to teach basic concepts and design. Temple Grandin speaks frankly about her social issues which she explains was the worst in high school, and is positive about how shared activities with peers, like building rockets, helped with the social tension. I appreciate the cultural shift that Silicone Valley has fostered, an appreciation for and pride for nerds that I believe is well deserved. This innovative book will inspire and educate the geniuses of the future!
August 19, 2018
Temple Grandin is a "world-renowned scientist, inventor, and expert on visual thinking" and is well-known for her books on autism and animal behavior. This seems to be her first book written for children. She looks back on the things that she was curious about as a child, and relates how she was able to figure our how things worked by inventing experiments to help herself prove or disprove a hunch. Along the way she also delves into how she, as a person with autism, processed the world. Grandin explains how various inventions came to be invented, including the mistakes that the inventor learned from, and then she shows how to visualize the concept by providing an experiment or project that the reader can undertake. Her writing is exceptionally clear, and she is able to break down the smaller parts of a complicated idea so anyone can understand it. Most of the projects can be completed with household supplies. Includes a bibliography and index.
June 28, 2018
This book is about being an inventor, with stories about Temple Grandin's life growing up working on projects building and inventing things. There is also information about both famous and little known inventors, in addition there are projects that kids can do now. Some of the projects are at the higher end of complexity/tool use for a kids book, but they look like fun. There is a range of projects that use cut paper, and simple items from around the house, and projects that require you to buy specialized items, or use a saw or other adult tool. The kaleidoscope and Ames Room optical illusion projects were the ones I thought looked most fun.
July 18, 2018
Temple Grandin shares short stories about inventions and experiments she has made in her life, interspersed with short bios and information about other inventors and inventions, in an effort to encourage readers to get up and try putting their own ideas into action. I really liked this book. I liked the comfortable way she speaks to the reader, as if you're sitting together just having a chat, and she can wander from topic to topic. While I didn't actually try any of her experiments, I think the right reader won't be able to resist getting out the scissors and glue. I appreciate that her ideas were repeatable with the stuff most of us have in our kitchen junk drawer.
June 18, 2018
Part history, part science, part autobiographical. The author talks about inventions throughout history, reminisces about some of her own experiments that she conducted throughout her life, and shares ideas for some STEM type experiments that you can make at home (with adult supervision, of course). If you want to know tidbits like why a golf ball has dimples or how to design different things, like making your own marionette and experimenting with how adjusting the design makes the limbs move, then this is the book for you.
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June 21, 2018Temple Grandin invites young inventors to explore the world with her. Encouraging them to ask questions about everyday things, such as: How do pulleys work? What causes metal boats float? Who invented the sewing machine? Using personal history as well as engaging projects for readers to experiment scientific principles, Grandin not only makes science practical, but obtainable.
Reviewer 30
18-ages-12-13
Reviewer 30
18-ages-12-13
July 20, 2018
Was excited to read this, but the first section, on the history of papermaking (an area I feel passionate about) was so inaccurate that I could not continue. This book has either been dumbed down for children (inappropriate) or is an example of incredibly poor research -- in either case, I am vastly disappointed.
May 17, 2018
I heard Temple Grandin speak this week. She talked about all the things in this book, things she noticed because she is a visual thinker. The book includes hands on projects for "tinkering." Teachers would benefit from listening to what she has to say about learning and learners.
June 5, 2018
This was an interesting book to listen to. I would like to actually see it because there is a lot going on here... personal stories, history of inventions and inventors, projects to create etc... It seems like it would be a good addition to a maker space library.
July 13, 2018
Mix of experiments and history of scientific discoveries.
July 17, 2018
لم أقرأه بعد لكن أعتقد أنه اقتراح كتاب جيد لليافعين، سأقدمه لأطفالي حين يكبرون
August 8, 2018
Neat book! Grandin's voice is prominent, and her short bios of inventors are both interesting and informative. I can't decide what age the experiments / invention ideas would be best for though...
September 4, 2018
Fantastic and inspiring stories of science, autism, and the value of the differences that make us unique. This book has projects you (and your child, if you have one of those) can make.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews