Mammolina: A Story About Maria Montessori

by Barbara O'Connor, Sara Campitelli (Illustrator)

Describes the life and achievements of the Italian woman doctor who developed a revolutionary method of educating children

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1992

About the author

Barbara O'Connor's awards include the Parents Choice Gold and Silver Award, American Library Association Notable Books, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society, School Library Journal Best Books, and Kirkus Best Books. Her books have been nominated for children's choice awards in 38 states and voted as a state favorite by children in South Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, and South Dakota.

Barbara was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She draws on her Southern roots to write award-winning books for children in grades 3 to 6.

She currently lives in Asheville, NC. Her latest book is Wish, a middle grade novel published by FSG.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/barbar...

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely chapter book biography about a world-renowned educator. O'Connor gives an excellent picture of Montessori's life, with its ups and downs, and what a Montessori classroom looks like. The illustrations are great, and a fun touch at the end is a schedule of a typical day at the Casa dei Bambini (Montessori's first school for neurotypical children).

The font on the cover triggered an ancient memory of mine--as a child I read O'Connors biography of Louis Braille (The World at His Fingertips) from the same series.

Recommended for young readers, especially those receiving a Montessori education.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mammolina: The Story of Maria Montessori by Barbara O’Connor (goodreads author) Illustrator Sara Campitelli- Hindi language translation Purva Yagyik Kushwaha- Children’s Illustrated Motivational Picture Book- (31 August 1870 -06 May, 1952) This book narrates the story of Maria Montessori in six chapters. Chapter 1 School Days- Maria Montessori was born in Italy. Her father, Alessandro Montessori, age 33, was working in Finance Department. Her mother, Renilde Stoppani, 25 years old, was well-educated and she supported and encouraged Maria to study subjects of her choice. In this book, it has been mentioned that in Europe in 1870 (1) girls school were from separate boy schools up to school level, (2) method of teaching children by repetition on black board (3) science was taught in co-education schools, (4) parents of girls took them to school and on their return parents accompanied their daughters, (5) after all boys had entered the class room, girls could enter the class. Until then girls stood at the door of the class. Boys did not allow the girls to sit on benches. Girls had to stand, wait for a vacant seat or stand and attend the class. (6) teachers did not encourage girls to study science. Thus, girls chose literature, drawing, drama, painting, hosiery and similar subjects for themselves. Chapter 2- Taming the lions- Maria’a father resisted in Maria’s opting for Science Scheme. Her mother supported Maria. In 1890, she was admitted Science and Mathematics subjects. She qualified for Diploma in 1892. She was ultimately admitted to Medical College. Maria was punctual and was present in Medical college evening during snow fall. She attended anatomy and surgery classes. At night she attended experiment on part of naked dead bodies. She was afraid but she did learn. She requested one person to keep smoking and remain in the room. After the course, she had to deliver a talk to senior Medical faculty. She succeeded in year 1896. Chapter 3- New Direction- Principal Medical College provided her with a job of doctor and sent patients to her. She attended children and women. She was attracted towards specially impaired children. She planned to educated him through designed letters, figures and alphabets. Such children had to learn through touch & smell. She delivered talks about her research to teachers about mentally retarded children and published her research on modes of teaching impaired children. Giuseppe a young doctor was in love with her. Maria a bore a son Mario to him but he did not marry her. Therefore, she sent her son to another lady to take care of her. Giuseppe worked with her on the mentally retarded children’s project. In 1899, Education Minister called her to deliver talks on new mode of education developed by her. Two businessmen of Italy provided her with a building to use it as school for children of workers. She appointed one more teacher and let the children learn through touch, smell objects which were open for them. Children learnt and showed that at their young age they could write alphabets and start learning process. Chapter 4- No ordinary school- In 1901, Montessori left the School and her private practice. In 1902, she enrolled in the philosophy degree course at Rome. She studied theoretical and moral philosophy, history of philosophy, psychology, educational philosophy. She conducted research and published it. Print media brought result of her studies before the world. Chapter 5- Mammolina- Maria was named Mammolina and she invited to speak all over the world. Schools for mentally retarded children were started round the world. Chapter 6- A typical day at Casa dei Bambini- is the page daily work sheet of Maria Montessori. It shows how she divided her time on a time table for children and herself. It is a motivating book for all. I have read this book in Hindi language. Coloured sketches help the reader to relate to the story of young Maria Montessori.

[blmagm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides basic information about the life and work of Maria Montessori. Maria's mother was her strongest champion and advocate as she struggled to break gender barriers to become Italy's first female doctor. She is best known for her observations of children and the ways they learn and her methods of capitalizing on their inquisitive nature.

[Cheryl]

Foreword
Chapter 1 - School Days
Chapter 2 - Taming the Lions
Chapter 3 - New Direction
Chapter 4 - No Ordinary School
Chapter 5 - Mammolina
Chapter 6 - A Typical Day at the Casa dei Bambini
Bibliography

[Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geared toward a younger audience, but a nice, concise and beautiful introduction to the inspiring life of Maria Montessori.