The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

by Julia Finley Mosca, Daniel Rieley (Illustrator)

If you’ve ever felt different, if you’ve ever been low,
if you don’t quite fit in, there’s a name you should know…

Meet Dr. Temple Grandin—one of the world’s quirkiest science heroes!

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Science, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Disability

40 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2017

About the author

Julia Finley Mosca is a copywriter and former journalist who spent more than a decade in Hollywood crafting messages for money. After working with such recognizable brands as Entertainment Tonight, Yahoo!, American Greetings, and JibJab, she landed her most rewarding job yet―mom to one ferociously curious and spunky little girl. The Amazing Scientists series marks Mosca’s debut into the magical world of children’s books.

Reviews

[destiny ♡ howling libraries]

Assigned reading for MLIS 7421: Multicultural Youth Literature.

This book offers such an insightful and sweet look into the life of Dr. Temple Grandin. It begins with her childhood and highlights how her autism presented in her earliest years, as well as some of the struggles she faced, such as being expelled after getting into a fight with another student. It never vilifies her for her autism, and it even takes time to show how supportive her mother is of her needs.

Before reading this, I didn't know much about Dr. Temple Grandin's life and contributions to the world of farming, so it was really interesting to learn a bit about her. I felt like the timeline and details given were the perfect combination of being simple enough for children to enjoy and grasp, while still offering enough information that I feel like I learned something new!

[Nhi Nguyễn]

“I am different, not less.”

I’ve known the amazing animal scientist Temple Grandin from the biographical movie “Temple Grandin” about her life and work (starring the wonderful Claire Danes as the titular character) and have been admiring this woman ever since. What a journey she has been going on. Having autism certainly doesn’t mean that she is less than any other people; it just means that she is different, and her difference makes her unique. This book retells the story of Temple Grandin’s life, sending an invaluable and important message to many young kids out there, that their differences can help them achieve something bigger than any other people originally think of them, as long as they know what their strengths are and work hard for their purposes in life.

Temple Grandin’s story also shows how hard it was for a woman to be working in a male-dominated field, which is farming and animal science in the 70s. But she just kept on marching to the beat of her own drums, doing what she set herself out to do, learning and growing into the scientist that she was destined to become, and in the end she opened a lot of doors that initially seemed to be closed for women like her. That certainly takes a lot of courage and perseverance. I did feel emotional reading her story in verse in this book. So inspirational! Amazing!

[Beth]

Great backmatter at the end of the book but the rhyming kind of diminished the gravitas of Grandin’s story and made it a little too twee.

[The Reading Countess]

Originally giving this one three stars (I liked it), but changing it to four because its intended audience will glean much from it. It's okay to be different, thinking outside the box is cool, when others say you can't, it's up to you to show them otherwise...these are all great takeaways. Told in poetic verse complete with additional biographical information at the end, I wanted to learn more about her life than what I did: what specific examples of discrimination did she face in the workforce, or more about her inventions. However, on the flip side, kids who are curious just might be inclined to read more about her-win/win. Look for this first book in a series of biographies about scientists to hit the shelves in August. Thanks to Edelweiss for the sneak peek.

[Cheryl]

I've read everything about and by Dr. Grandin that I've found. I don't have high hopes for this, but if it reaches an audience that otherwise would not learn about her, yay.
---
Turns out, it's pretty good. I'm not crazy about the rhyme, but, again, maybe that will help new people find out about this amazing hero. Includes generous back matter.

[Baby Bookworm]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story Of Dr. Temple Grandin, written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley, a biography of the incredible innovator and activist.

From the start, Temple was different. At three, she had yet to say her first word, didn’t like noises or crowds, and hated to be hugged. A doctor recommends that she be institutionalized, but Temple’s mother refuses, instead surrounding Temple with supportive people who work to help her adapt, and eventually find the right diagnosis: autism. Under the right care, Temple begins to speak, learn, and invent. Finding kinship with the animals at her aunt’s farm, she realizes that they think in the same way she does, using pictures. Her unique perspective allows Temple to devise methods and inventions to treat the animals more humanely and help farms run more efficiently. She becomes a world-renowned expert in animal behavior and earns three degrees. And now, the girl who was told she would never talk flies around the world to give speeches, all because Temple and the people who loved her knew she was “different, not less.”

LOVED this. We’re great admirers of Dr. Grandin and the feminist and ASD role model she is, and this story captured so much of what makes her story inspiring. Told in fun, bouncy, yet often quite powerful rhyme, it shows how the odds were stacked against Temple at many turns – an autistic woman working in the male-dominant STEM and livestock fields – but she refused be regarded as anything less than the genius that she was. The art is wonderful, using simple, adorable characters and plainly laying out complex ideas to connect with little ones, and a wealth of backmatter expands on the details of Temple’s life. The length is great, and JJ loved the animals, colors and engaging rhymes. A phenomenal biography to introduce a true icon, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Tracy]

Fabulous retelling of Temple Grandin's story in an uncomplicated way. I hope people find it helpful

[Jessie Drew]

Great book, on all accounts.
My only criticism is that my 7 year old was focused on “why does this book rhyme?”
So, if it’s distracting to a kid, maybe just consider that it’s not helpful. Just sayin.

[Emily]

Regarding her autism: “I am different, not less.”

Rhyming text (not my style preference for this text).

[Kristin Linthicum]

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures is the biographical story of Temple Grandin. Temple’s story speaks of how, as a child, she was both similar and quite different from those around her. While she enjoyed art and ice cream like other children her age, Temple did not like loud noises, crowded places, and especially did not like hugs. Another thing that set her apart was her ability to “see in pictures” as she called it. What this meant was that when she thought about things, she saw many pictures of those things in her mind. The reader learns that Temple was diagnosed with Autism, but that this only meant she was different, not less. As her story continues, Temple struggles with being bullied and teased, and eventually moves to a ranch. This is where Temple fell in love with cows, and truly found her comfort zone. Temple began a new school, where she learned that she also loved science and created many things. She later went on to college where she studied ways to improve livestock transportation and created a new design that many farms adopted. Some of Temple’s accomplishments include: being inducted into American Academy of Arts and Sciences, being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, and writing a New York Time’s bestseller.

I think this is an excellent book as a read-aloud for Kindergarten or 1st grade and even an independent read for older students. The main idea of this book is that it is okay to be different, and differences do not mean that you can’t accomplish amazing things in your life. Children who struggle with their own differences can gain comfort and confidence from this story as they learn about Temple’s journey of both struggle and success. It can also be used as a way to introduce the topic of differences with children. Students may start school having only been exposed to people who look, dress, speak, and think similar to themselves; it is important that as teachers, we create an environment where differences are celebrated so that there is no room for bullying. With Kindergartners, I could even see following this story with a “getting to know you” activity that pairs students together to discover ways in which they are similar and different. I also loved the letter to readers from Dr. Grandin that followed her story. This book is wonderfully well-written and beautifully illustrated, and would be an excellent addition to any classroom.

[Alicia]

I have always been fascinated and amazed by the beautiful Temple Grandin and every book that gets written about her is fascinating and showcases that "the world needs all kinds of minds" and I love that the book ends with that.

The book is uplifting and lovingly illustrated to show how Grandin thinks in the namesake pictures (and if you haven't seen the Ted Talk, you MUST) and how she was "different, not less" which hit me in the feels. It celebrates her autism in a way that builds on what makes her different and how it was difficult when she was growing up to "accept" it. It was the fight in her mother who said that they can help her whether it was living on the ranch with her aunt or going to another school after she was kicked out of her other school.

It's a celebration of differences and a woman who contributed to science, agriculture, and the world at large.

[Gary Anderson]

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin portrays a misunderstood child who persists in learning to become a renowned scientist. As a child, Temple’s autism confuses and alienates many of those around her. When she leaves the city and spends more time in rural settings, she begins to understand her own mind and its powers that are so hidden from others. This important picture book lures in readers with friendly illustrations and gently rhyming text. Picture book biographies rarely make for good read-alouds, but The Girl Who Thought in Pictures is an exception. Educators and parents who use this book will help young readers understand autism and empathize with those who think differently.

[Heidi]

I read Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism a few years ago and found it endlessly fascinating and wonderful. I was excited to find this in my homeschool bookstore. After reading it aloud I don't know l if I can rate it fairly. The rhyming annoyed me
a bit but I also kind of understood why it was there. I was expecting a more thorough biography. I was happy the endpages had it but still wish there was more to the book itself. I guess 3.5 for the actual book, 5 for the endpages and 4 for illustrations comes out to a 4.

[Paula]

As is often the case with picture book biographies, the back matter makes up for a lot.

[KC]

Wonderful biography about a wonderful individual

[Jeralynn]

One of the IRIS Center’s recommended reading from the Children’s Books: Portrayals of People with Disabilities list, The Girl Who Thought in Pictures tells the story of American scientist and autism spokesperson, Temple Grandin. Recommended for ages 6-9, this picture book written in rhyming verse is an excellent introduction to young readers of the amazing accomplishments of a woman scientist who overcame childhood setbacks due to misdiagnosis of her autism and embraced her unique gifts that led to groundbreaking and humane improvements to cattle ranching. Through Temple’s story, children learn the power of persistence and belief in one’s self while also gaining an understanding of autism. Although the rhyming nature of the writing can be a bit off-putting to adult readers at first, the format is appealing and engaging for young readers and listeners. The illustrations are simple but effective in helping young learners understand the complexities of Temple’s story. Available in print and digital formats, there are several recorded read alouds available online. There are also several free teaching resources for this title online including a mini-lesson on autism awareness available at https://www.amazingscientists.com/pri....

[J12601]

The rhyming felt obtrusive and distracting from an otherwise lovely book with fun illustrations and a great message.

[debbicat *made of stardust*]

"Be KIND to our creatures. They have FEELINGS!"

Temple knew something here. I love that. This is a great little book to read with young students for Women's History Month. I highly recommend it!

[CJ | cjeverafter]

Adorable book about the grand, Temple Grandin! (see what I did there?) She is an excellent role model for autistic girls (& boys!) & we really enjoyed this sweet, rhyming story.

[Elizabeth]

Inclusion book- The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
I came across The Girl Who Thought in Pictures written by Julia Finely Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley on Donna Wakefield’s Goodread’s list titled “Characters with Disabilities”. I’ve never seen the Temple Grandin movie or read literature on her, so I felt compelled to read the story. Up until now I have only heard oral narratives through friends, family, and coworkers in regard to Temple Grandin. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures captures the true essence of Temple Grandin shattering the glass ceiling of limitations that society inflects on those with autism or any other disability. This text not only highlights the limitations society puts on those who are considered different but also how these limitations impact the individual’s self-image. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures includes perspectives from Temple Grandin and from those around her. These interactions and lack of understanding between both parties evoke a sense of empathy out of the reader and motivate the reader to better understand those who society may deem as different. This text also highlights what autism may appear to be on surface but as the reader continues to read, they learn much more about autism and those who have autism. The illustrations offer an authentic visual representation of Temple Grandin’s mind and how it works. The illustrations almost create “thought webs” with pictures to show the reader how Temple Grandin’s thoughts manifest in her mind. At the end of the book, Temple Grandin writes a note to the readers. The authors also offer a timeline and more historical background information on Temple. This is a great tool to utilize if the reader needs more background knowledge on Temple Grandin or wants to extend their learning beyond the main story line.

This text would be a great text for k-3 students. Students should be exposed to diverse perspectives and stories that offer counter narratives that oppose the stereotypical narratives. Aside from sparking empathy and creating a warm/open minded classroom, this text would be great for teaching rhyming. It would also be great for students to analyze the problems that Temple identifies and come up with solutions during a read aloud.

[Cindy]

"The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin" is a wonderful picture book written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley. Presented as a children's book with rhyming couplets and engaging pictures, the book outlines Dr Grandin's life including her struggles in childhood (such as speech, regulating her emotions, social interactions with teachers and peers). The reader journeys with Dr Grandin as she discovers her own unique features and recognizes that she is "different, not less".

Whilst the book provides a simplified version of Dr Grandin's life, it provides an age-appropriate introduction to Autism for children to understand. It introduces concepts and themes about visualization (seeing in pictures), difficulties with communication and social skills, acceptance of support, facing adversity, accepting one's weaknesses and strengths, problem solving and learning from mistakes. All children will be able to relate to these themes.

We learn how Dr Grandin's perseverance and determination helped her to "march right through that door", leaving readers with a powerful message to embrace their unique characteristics and to stand tall when facing challenges or new experiences.

At the end of the book, there is a letter by Dr Grandin to the reader, some fun facts and a timeline of her life. These supplements help the adult reader to understand more about this incredible woman, providing more of the "back story" for those who may be reading about Dr Grandin for the first time.

Disclosure: This book was gifted for the purposes of review.

[Allison Reilly]

Summary:
This story begins with a child who is born with autism. Her mother sends her away to her aunt's farm. This is where Temple flourishes and succeeds academically. Her academic success stemmed from her creating a "hug machine" that mimicked the cow holding pin used on her aunt's farm. She then was sickened by the treatment of cows and created a cow chute that was adopted by farmers nationwide.

Evaluation:

I think this is a great book. Not only does it have vivid pictures to spark student interest, it has a story about people who are different than the average student. The author is very knowledgeable about Temple and provides the reader with a bibliography and timeline. This is a great, factual story that students will enjoy.

Teaching Point:

This would be a great book to read in a social skills setting. Temple was "different" before she moved to her aunt's house. Teachers can explain using this book that we all have talents and skills no matter what. We all have a place in this world and we can all do good. Students could have group discussions on times where they felt different and how they dealt with it.

[Yuridia]

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures is a story of embracement. Embracing the differences in yourself and finding what makes you happy. Temple Gradin was a young girl who loved to spin, didn’t like hugs, or loud noises. By age three Temple was still unbale to speak after visiting some doctors she was diagnosed with autism. In school Temple had a difficult time in school where she was picked on and made fun of until she one day she had enough and reacted in a negative way. Temple Gradin was sent away to live with her aunt on a ranch and their is where Temple flourished and discovered her passion of animals. Today, Temple Gradin is professor and speaker. This book is a great book for grades k-2 to help discuss how some kids can be different and what can be done to help them not feel like Temple. Acceptance of differences and embracing others is perfect to teach at these grade levels. This book was awarded the Dolly Gray award in 2017 and is written in a poetic rhyming format that makes it fun as a read aloud. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful and provide and young readers appealing and captivating pictures.

[Grace Holmes]

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is a beautifully written biography with a wonderful rhythm to it for a read aloud. This book addresses autism in a way that many children with autism can relate to. Dr. Temple became an inventor and it is a great book for children who feel being different as being "bad" is actually "neat" and to do something in the world with their uniqueness. This book would be great for the younger grades, K-3. And would be a great introduction to a science lesson!

One idea would be for students to gather into groups and solve a problem by being creative and inventing something! The teacher can give a prompt for the students of the problem they need to solve. Another idea would be for students to create a word map about what makes them unique! The word map could include pictures and descriptions of their unique selves!

This book is a WOW book for me because it is an autobiography that others can relate to in an engaging way. Students learn a lesson through someone else's story about how it is good to be different and how being different can bring hope and good things to the world!

[Kathy Honsa]

In this true story of Dr. Temple Grandin's journey towards success, we learn about struggles she faced growing up autistic. Temple Grandin was a child who's mind worked in different ways. She first struggled with being socially accepted in school and began to realize her way of visual thinking made her different from her peers. After reacting out of impulse in school one day, she was kicked out and her mother sent her away to live on an aunt's ranch. There she found herself in a place where no one judged or tormented her. She used her unique way of thinking to brainstorm effective ways to help farm animals. Before you know it, she becomes an expert in her field and graduates college with three different degrees. With her motivating drive and growth in knowledge, she created a plan that would help livestock and farmers around the world. This captivating story will inform readers of all ages that despite facing certain obstacles, with enough support and motivation you will learn to persevere.

[Erin Buhr]

For any child who has ever felt like they didn't fit in, Temple Grandin is a name to know. Temple was diagnosed with Autism when she was young and this book shares her story from birth to present. I love the straightforward honesty with which her story is presented. The rhyming text adds a bounce and poetry to her story, but her childhood is not glossed over and her difficulties never ignored. The balance of struggles and successes helps to emphasize her strength and perseverance. Now a bestselling author, scientist and advocate, Temple shows little kids everywhere that they are "Different, not less."

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Joelle]

Temple Grandin is such an inspirational woman, not only because she found a way to step past her autism diagnosis, but also because as a woman, she engineered better ways to restrain and relocate cattle without stressing out the animals and is a successful public speaker. The story is told in sweet rhyming poems to explain her experience from childhood and not fitting in to adulthood and her way of seeing the world (the many pictures that appear in her mind when someone says the word "fly" for example). This might be a useful book to use for SEL because it touches on how she was bullied for being different and finding her place and being happy once she moved to the farm and a new school.

[Kiara]

This is a great read for emerging readers. I located this picture book from the Dolly Gray website. I love how the images correlated with the main character’s Temple unique characteristic. Although Temple has autism, the author did a great job of demonstrating that Temple an intelligent child who just has another way of interacting with the world. I believe children will love viewing the images and learning about how a children with autism is just like them. This book would be a great read to discuss the theme of unity among elementary students. The visuals are very detailed and informative!

[Adam Sequoyah]

The illustrations are nice. The content could have been interesting, except that it did not always materialize well. I mean that it seemed hard to relate to. I was left unsure of what this character actually discovered or achieved regarding farm animals. And the silly rhymes didn't help; maybe the forced poetry patterns (and awkward language) diminished the experiences of being bullied and misunderstood. Again, I had a hard time understanding what actually happened to this person as a child and an adult.

MPAA ratings: G

[Sally S]

Wonderful children's book. Should be in every elementary school and library! The illustrations are fantastic. The story about Temple Grandin is a great one, only made better by Julia's clever rhymes. My 4 and 5 year old girls love this at bedtime or anytime.