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Wangari y los árboles de la paz (Una Historia Verdadera)
Wangari vivía rodeada de árboles. Cuando crece, comienza una masiva deforestación y Wangari teme que pronto todo el bosque sea destruido. Decide sembrar nueve arbolitos e iniciar una acción ecologista en favor de la reforestación. Una historia real sobre la vida de Wangari Maathai nacida en una pequeña aldea de Kenia, que recibió el Premio Nobel de la Paz en 2004.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2008
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1330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
March 23, 2010
I read this following Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai and while perhaps "Wangari's Trees" might be appealing to a younger picture book audience than "Planting the Trees" I much prefer the latter.
In this ("Wangari's Trees"), we do still have the same inspiring story and the author's note at the back is excellent. But, I was not as captivated by the storytelling (and the use of present-tense kind of annoyed me, for some reason) and the illustrations were not my cup of tea. Still, this is probably all personal taste as this seems like a fine introduction to the inspiring Wangari and her remarkable Green Belt Movement to return the trees to Kenya (and a sense of empowerment to the women).
In this ("Wangari's Trees"), we do still have the same inspiring story and the author's note at the back is excellent. But, I was not as captivated by the storytelling (and the use of present-tense kind of annoyed me, for some reason) and the illustrations were not my cup of tea. Still, this is probably all personal taste as this seems like a fine introduction to the inspiring Wangari and her remarkable Green Belt Movement to return the trees to Kenya (and a sense of empowerment to the women).
March 8, 2010
I am going to be fair to this book and not simply compare it to Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai, a book I read very recently for the Picture-Books Club at the Children's Books group. Both books are about the same extraordinary woman and the Greenbelt movement she started in Kenya over three decades ago. I thought the other book (story & illustrations) was better, but this one is very good too, and it has a few pieces of information that weren’t included in the other book.
I’m glad that Wangari Maathai has inspired more than one picture book for children. She’s an inspiring woman who has used her education, intelligence, and creativity to make Kenya, and the world, a better place.
I’m glad that Wangari Maathai has inspired more than one picture book for children. She’s an inspiring woman who has used her education, intelligence, and creativity to make Kenya, and the world, a better place.
September 23, 2020
And this is how educated women change the lives of many and actually save the 'world' she grew up in.
While many are there to nip your dreams and vision, you as an educated being can still try your best and make your dreams come true if not for the sake of you and you alone but for the rest of the people whose lives would change just because you make your dreams come alive.
The author's note at the end provides some good background of Wangari Maathai.
This is the second picture book I have read based on the same personality. I always get inspired when I read her story.
Love the illustrations. The art work is a bit intense with dark, bright colours. The writing is just perfect.
While many are there to nip your dreams and vision, you as an educated being can still try your best and make your dreams come true if not for the sake of you and you alone but for the rest of the people whose lives would change just because you make your dreams come alive.
The author's note at the end provides some good background of Wangari Maathai.
This is the second picture book I have read based on the same personality. I always get inspired when I read her story.
Love the illustrations. The art work is a bit intense with dark, bright colours. The writing is just perfect.
October 4, 2013
This picture book biography introduces readers to Wangari Maathai who was born and raised in Kenya under an umbrella of green trees full of birds and who received a scholarship to study in America. Upon her return to her homeland, she found stumps where once the trees had grown tall.
Fearing her country would become a desert, Wangari enlisted the heklp of village women to help her replant the trees. She even paid the women for keeping the trees alive. Her journey was rough and she was beaten and sent to jail for standing up for what she believed in, but over 30 million trees were planted and Wangari was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to world peace through the Green Belt Movement.
Acrylic illustrations are vibrant and tell Wangari's story in way that resembles a story quilt. I really liked the way the author was able to write this story in a simple way that was infused with Wangari's passion. She is a good role model for protecting the environment and taking a stand and I'm so glad to have this book to read aloud to kids. Grades 1-3.
Fearing her country would become a desert, Wangari enlisted the heklp of village women to help her replant the trees. She even paid the women for keeping the trees alive. Her journey was rough and she was beaten and sent to jail for standing up for what she believed in, but over 30 million trees were planted and Wangari was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to world peace through the Green Belt Movement.
Acrylic illustrations are vibrant and tell Wangari's story in way that resembles a story quilt. I really liked the way the author was able to write this story in a simple way that was infused with Wangari's passion. She is a good role model for protecting the environment and taking a stand and I'm so glad to have this book to read aloud to kids. Grades 1-3.
November 14, 2021
Another picture book about Wangari Maathai, published in the same year but several months later. I don't clear have clear memories of the other book separate from the review. But for this one, I don't particularly like the art. The text is okay but not all that great. The subject is still a good one. The one page afterword is pretty good.
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February 28, 2018I mean, it's fine, I guess, but so basic it really doesn't inspire much deeper discovery or further interest. The text reads like the language of Wise Spiritual Native Man and Magical Negro combined. I will give points for the cover, which is an enlarged version of a picture inside--the tiny seedlings, medium-sized mountains, and giant woman are pretty powerful.
April 1, 2020
Jeanette Winter, whose picture-book biographies include
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
, and
Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan
, turns her attention to the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize-winner Wangari Maathai in Wangari's Trees of Peace. Growing up in rural Kenya, Wangari developed a deep love of the natural world, but when she returned to her homeland after her college years in the United States, she discovered a land that had been stripped of its greenery, a land increasingly unable to support its people. Determined to help, she began to plant trees, encouraging others to do the same...
After reading Claire A. Nivola's Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai , I was curious to see how another children's author would handle this story. Generally speaking, I was pleased with Winters' informative narrative, which included some aspects of the story - like Wangari's imprisonment by the government - that were omitted from Nivola's book. Although I preferred the illustrations from Planting the Trees of Kenya, this is still an immensely appealing book, highly recommended to anyone looking for a good children's book on the founder of Kenya's Green Belt Movement.
After reading Claire A. Nivola's Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai , I was curious to see how another children's author would handle this story. Generally speaking, I was pleased with Winters' informative narrative, which included some aspects of the story - like Wangari's imprisonment by the government - that were omitted from Nivola's book. Although I preferred the illustrations from Planting the Trees of Kenya, this is still an immensely appealing book, highly recommended to anyone looking for a good children's book on the founder of Kenya's Green Belt Movement.
October 12, 2016
Wangari's Trees of Peace is a story about a girl who grew up around a ton of trees, which she enjoyed seeing. when she was older she move to the U.S, and when returning she notice all of the trees were being cut down to make buildings. Wangari decides to stand up and plant trees to make her homeland better again. this story teaches children to stand up for what you believe in even if other people do not agree. in the story the contrustion workers laughed at the women who planted the tress and they didn't let that stop them they continued to plant trees and eventually they reached their goal of more trees in their homeland. This story is a very easy read for children, it straight to the point. it tells a true story, but the story is simplified to children understanding. This book has a very cultured feel, they do not use to word home they say village to describe their home. also in the illstrtaion the women where colorful traditional clothing that is bright. the illustration is in cartoon form, but it is not comical aslo the illustration is set up like a comic book, this is because most comic books have to do with superheros. the book shows the power the women had to help plant more trees in the village. some of the illustration can be a little harsh for young children, you see a police officer not only chasing her with a police stick, but you can see blood coming from her head. When she was in jail you can see cracks on the wall, this symbolized how the jail cell was not holder her back and that her jail time would eventuall be over and she would still contuine to plant more trees. in a classroom teachers can use this story to help teach kids to stand up for what they believe in. Children and rite about what they belive in and how they will stand for it.
April 26, 2009
Wangari's Trees of Peace offers young kids an introduction to the inspiring life's work of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan woman who won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for founding and driving the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. Due largely to her determination, vision and courage, thirty years later over 30 million new trees reforest Kenya.
What young children will learn from this appealing picture book is the story of how she led the women of Kenya to re-plant the hillsides of their country one tree at a time. Bright, folk art graphics follow Wangari as a young woman alone, then with a few women who help her, and then with more and more women in each panel illustration. They will also see her with blood on her face turning from a billy club- wielding police officer, in jail, and finally, standing tall on Mt Kenya overlooking fields of green trees below her. A concluding author's note provides helpful background information to the story. I think this would be great for a K-2 storytime and as an introduction to environmental activism.
What young children will learn from this appealing picture book is the story of how she led the women of Kenya to re-plant the hillsides of their country one tree at a time. Bright, folk art graphics follow Wangari as a young woman alone, then with a few women who help her, and then with more and more women in each panel illustration. They will also see her with blood on her face turning from a billy club- wielding police officer, in jail, and finally, standing tall on Mt Kenya overlooking fields of green trees below her. A concluding author's note provides helpful background information to the story. I think this would be great for a K-2 storytime and as an introduction to environmental activism.
March 17, 2016
I know so little of the important and beautiful people who have helped our world, and continue to help our world. In this case, I had to learn about Wangari Maathai from a children's picture book, but it was quite a lovely one. Highly recommend.
May 7, 2015
Literature Requirement Nonfiction #1: biographical (picture book)
Wangari is a little girl growing up in Kenya who adores her culture and the luscious tress that support life in her homeland. She wins a scholarship to receive an education so she leaves her homeland to gain all the knowledge she can. Years later when she returns home she sees hardly tress and whole forests have been cut down and nothing had been replanted it its place. She is so heartbroken to see such destruction of her homeland causing a depletion of life and sustainability so she decides to plant nine little seedlings to start to rebuild her home. She succeeds and her home is starting come back to life. This is the true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize a courageous woman determined to not let her homeland die out. I adore the brightly colored pictures that show her passion to preserve her culture because the government didn't see the value in it they only saw the dollar signs in the land. Wangari truly is powerful woman and I could see this book being used to show creativity, and importance of education and intelligence and respect for one's culture especially one as rich as Wangari's African roots. This is lovely way to introduce African culture in the classroom.
Wangari is a little girl growing up in Kenya who adores her culture and the luscious tress that support life in her homeland. She wins a scholarship to receive an education so she leaves her homeland to gain all the knowledge she can. Years later when she returns home she sees hardly tress and whole forests have been cut down and nothing had been replanted it its place. She is so heartbroken to see such destruction of her homeland causing a depletion of life and sustainability so she decides to plant nine little seedlings to start to rebuild her home. She succeeds and her home is starting come back to life. This is the true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize a courageous woman determined to not let her homeland die out. I adore the brightly colored pictures that show her passion to preserve her culture because the government didn't see the value in it they only saw the dollar signs in the land. Wangari truly is powerful woman and I could see this book being used to show creativity, and importance of education and intelligence and respect for one's culture especially one as rich as Wangari's African roots. This is lovely way to introduce African culture in the classroom.
April 23, 2018
This book is an info-text about the environment but also a biography about Wangari Maathai. As she was growing up, she remembered seeing tees ever, but when she returns to her home, she find that all the trees have been cut down. She decides she needs to do something about it and begins replanting trees by starting in her own backyard. It's an easy read and very straight to the point, but the message is inspiring.
I wish I had read this book sooner because I would have used it in my fifth-grade social studies lesson about "How Humans Impact the Environment." Students so often get the idea that humans only impact the environment negatively, but this story shows both sides. It encourages students that they can make a difference with what they have and where they are. They are enough to make a change. I think this story is so inspiring and would be so useful to include in the classroom. I'm thankful this book was recommended to me by my professors and my mentor teachers and I definitely intend to use it going forwards.
This book is a WOW book for me because it makes me feel like I too can make a difference with a small act and the ability to grow. It doesn't take a whole lot, but we do have to make a change to make a difference. It's such an inspiring book and I want to inspire my students with it as well!
I wish I had read this book sooner because I would have used it in my fifth-grade social studies lesson about "How Humans Impact the Environment." Students so often get the idea that humans only impact the environment negatively, but this story shows both sides. It encourages students that they can make a difference with what they have and where they are. They are enough to make a change. I think this story is so inspiring and would be so useful to include in the classroom. I'm thankful this book was recommended to me by my professors and my mentor teachers and I definitely intend to use it going forwards.
This book is a WOW book for me because it makes me feel like I too can make a difference with a small act and the ability to grow. It doesn't take a whole lot, but we do have to make a change to make a difference. It's such an inspiring book and I want to inspire my students with it as well!
March 3, 2014
Mom: Okay, so I honestly didn't know these were practically the same story (Seeds of Change) just told differently when I first reserved these books for the month, I try not to do TOO much review reading before hand so that I don't make judgements and so I can give my reviews without outside influence, but any way it worked out great. It was a great way to teach my girls compare and contrast.
Girls: They love the story of Wangari. (again I read this book almost ever night for a week). This book does have a concerning element for those with sensitive kids- Wangari is beaten (there is a little blood in the illustration) and taken to jail. My daughters were concerned about it but not overly emotional. Seeds of Change does not include such a picture so if you wish to tell the story without that element that is your choice.
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October 27, 2017Wangari's Trees of Peace is a non fiction book written by Jeanette Winter. The language of the text is very simple. It is a story about a young girl that lived in a very forested Kenya. She had to move away to America and upon her arrival, all the trees in her town were gone. She began to plant trees again and began a movement for other woman to do the same. The men of the town had her imprisoned but when she got out, kenya had returned to being a beautiful forested land. The colors used in this book is very vibrant, and I believe that it adds to the meaningfulness of the book. The book addresses the gender roles of men and woman and how women are seen as less than. I believe this book is appropriate for 2nd and 3rd graders. They will enjoy the book, especially because of the colors used throughout.
January 30, 2018
Winter, Jeanette Wangari's Trees of Peace: a true story from Africa. Harcourt, 2008. PICTURE BOOK.
By the time that Wangari returns from her college education in America, most of the trees of Kenya had been cut down to make room for modernization. Now she saw that the women of the villages suffered in poverty, due in part to the loss of those trees. Starting with her own back yard and her own village, Wangri plants one sapling at a time and encourages others to join. After thirty years, thirty million trees have been planted, returning a canopy of green to Kenya. In 2004, Wangair was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.
Buy this book now and give to every science teacher you have! Its message is laid out so simply that the power of its truth has a chance to reach every student.
EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.
By the time that Wangari returns from her college education in America, most of the trees of Kenya had been cut down to make room for modernization. Now she saw that the women of the villages suffered in poverty, due in part to the loss of those trees. Starting with her own back yard and her own village, Wangri plants one sapling at a time and encourages others to join. After thirty years, thirty million trees have been planted, returning a canopy of green to Kenya. In 2004, Wangair was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.
Buy this book now and give to every science teacher you have! Its message is laid out so simply that the power of its truth has a chance to reach every student.
EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.
October 15, 2015
Beautiful true story of a Kenyan woman who had passion, vision and determination to cause change. Wonderful story to read to children, enlightening them on how it only takes one person to bring about the process of change while enlisting others to help accomplish that goal. Wangari not only brought trees back to her village area, but helped the women by paying them to help her reach her goal. It is full of very colorful and animated illustrations that keep the readers attention.
February 22, 2014
This book is about a woman who sees change that she does not like and takes a stand to save the women of her town.
May 5, 2016
Perfect book for early elementary explaining the life of this Nobel Peace Prize winner and changer of the world.
January 22, 2018
Love this book! Simply written but with a message that one person can change things for the better, even if it just starts locally.
February 25, 2019
Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story From Africa is a non-fiction book about Wangari Maathai. I think this book could be appropriate across many grade levels, however, I would probably implement this book, along with the lessons I listed below, in my 3rd or 4th grade classroom. This book does a wonderful job of telling the true story of Wangari Maathai and how she took action to stand up for what she believed in. Wangari started the Green Belt Movement Kenya in 1977 when she noticed all of the trees were being cut down. With her leadership and the help of her community, over thirty million trees were planted.
This book provides a fantastic example of activism and how one person can make a huge difference. In addition, there are so many great environmental lessons you could pull from this book.
For example, I might say to my students: "Wangari stood up for something she believed in, planting trees and bringing nature back into her community. What is something you believe in that you think is important to share with others? How can you stand up and share your beliefs?"
Then you could have your students start a project where they could plan and implement their ideas in their communities. Or, if time was limited, you could come together as a class and start a project where each of you took steps to take better care of the environment. You could do a research project or simply produce a list of ways you could do your part as a citizen. You could even have your students log the different things they may do at home (such as picking up a piece of trash, turning the sink off while brushing their teeth, etc.) to help the environment. Another fun activity you could do with your students is make posters to hang around the school to raise awareness.
You could also approach this lesson with a goal of teaching your students "Peaceful Conflict Resolution," This might be where you have your students discuss how the government of Wangari's county could have approached the problem more peacefully (instead of beating her and placing her in jail). This could then transfer over to a classroom community lesson where you discuss peaceful problem solving and what the quote "right is right, even if you're alone" means.
I choose this book as a WOW book because I love the idea of being able to share with my students how one person made a huge difference. I am extremely passionate about the environment and that is something I certainly want to share with my students and I think this book is a great kickstarter to do so. In addition, I find Wangari's journey as a strong women of color to be extremely inspiring and a great example of where hard work can lead you.
This book provides a fantastic example of activism and how one person can make a huge difference. In addition, there are so many great environmental lessons you could pull from this book.
For example, I might say to my students: "Wangari stood up for something she believed in, planting trees and bringing nature back into her community. What is something you believe in that you think is important to share with others? How can you stand up and share your beliefs?"
Then you could have your students start a project where they could plan and implement their ideas in their communities. Or, if time was limited, you could come together as a class and start a project where each of you took steps to take better care of the environment. You could do a research project or simply produce a list of ways you could do your part as a citizen. You could even have your students log the different things they may do at home (such as picking up a piece of trash, turning the sink off while brushing their teeth, etc.) to help the environment. Another fun activity you could do with your students is make posters to hang around the school to raise awareness.
You could also approach this lesson with a goal of teaching your students "Peaceful Conflict Resolution," This might be where you have your students discuss how the government of Wangari's county could have approached the problem more peacefully (instead of beating her and placing her in jail). This could then transfer over to a classroom community lesson where you discuss peaceful problem solving and what the quote "right is right, even if you're alone" means.
I choose this book as a WOW book because I love the idea of being able to share with my students how one person made a huge difference. I am extremely passionate about the environment and that is something I certainly want to share with my students and I think this book is a great kickstarter to do so. In addition, I find Wangari's journey as a strong women of color to be extremely inspiring and a great example of where hard work can lead you.
April 22, 2024
“Right is right, even if you’re alone.” In this book, Author Jeanette Winter follows Wangari Maathai’s journey of advocating for environmental rights and women empowerment in Kenya. Wangari returns to her home, finding the nature of it to be barren, damaged, and lifeless. With no trees in sight, Wangari decides to take action and motivate other women in her village and villages around hers to plant seedlings, fighting against deforestation. This biography of Wangari is motivational, especially to girls and women around the world, as no matter the consequences Wangari faced, she still stood up for what she thought was the right thing to do. The major themes in this book are resilience, empowerment, and environmental activism. Author Jeanette Winter beautifully portrays Wangari’s resilience, as she was beaten and put into jail, yet she was described as someone who “still stands tall.” Wangari encouraged and involved more and more women to join her journey on planting seedlings, empowering these women to stand up for their community. No matter what, throughout the book, Wangari continued to plant seedlings and value the nature around her. The main genre of this book is biography. Children reading this book can learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even if others don’t agree. Another lesson that children can learn is a sense of community and empowerment, as there were more women who planted these trees, their village started to flourish with the help of all. This book was a WOW book for me because of the uniqueness of the message, providing me with such a powerful figure in history that I am able to be inspired by.
Some of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were similes and symbolism. Author Jeanette uses similes in order to invoke an emotional response in the reader and audience, especially when she compares Wangari herself to a tree. An example of a simile in this story is, “Wangari stands tall as an oak to protect the old trees still remaining.” By putting Wangari in the shoes of a tree herself, it allows the audience to feel upset for the trees when they are hurt, as they are living things too! Trees throughout this story represent peace and community. As more of the community came together, more trees started to appear. This symbolism of trees allows the audience to understand the unity and interconnectedness that the environment and the people around it brought. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it promotes equity around the world and empowers all readers to fight for what’s right.
Some of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were similes and symbolism. Author Jeanette uses similes in order to invoke an emotional response in the reader and audience, especially when she compares Wangari herself to a tree. An example of a simile in this story is, “Wangari stands tall as an oak to protect the old trees still remaining.” By putting Wangari in the shoes of a tree herself, it allows the audience to feel upset for the trees when they are hurt, as they are living things too! Trees throughout this story represent peace and community. As more of the community came together, more trees started to appear. This symbolism of trees allows the audience to understand the unity and interconnectedness that the environment and the people around it brought. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it promotes equity around the world and empowers all readers to fight for what’s right.
November 7, 2025
•The key themes of this book are the power of one person to create change, courage, and women's empowerment. The book illustrates how one woman’s actions can inspire a movement to address deforestation, leading to a healthier environment and the empowerment of women.
•Audience: 3-9 years old
•I chose this book because I love the power and strength it portrays from woman. Not only does it persuade our children and our youth to see exactly how much of a difference one determined person with a vision can make but it also inspires us to be the change we want to see in the world. Wangari misses the trees of her homeland while she is in the United States studying, so she is determined to make changes after her return of drastic differences.
•I will use this book in my classroom to teach about nature’s natural habitats. I will also enforce the importance of environmental involvement and advocate for sustainable practices. This gives us an opportunity to talk about the important jobs that are needed to sustain our nature habitats. (Engineers, scientists, gardeners, garbage collectors, etc.) Students will learn about essential workers and what their job functions are.
•Audience: 3-9 years old
•I chose this book because I love the power and strength it portrays from woman. Not only does it persuade our children and our youth to see exactly how much of a difference one determined person with a vision can make but it also inspires us to be the change we want to see in the world. Wangari misses the trees of her homeland while she is in the United States studying, so she is determined to make changes after her return of drastic differences.
•I will use this book in my classroom to teach about nature’s natural habitats. I will also enforce the importance of environmental involvement and advocate for sustainable practices. This gives us an opportunity to talk about the important jobs that are needed to sustain our nature habitats. (Engineers, scientists, gardeners, garbage collectors, etc.) Students will learn about essential workers and what their job functions are.
March 15, 2019
Wangari Maathai received the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize,, was the first woman from East Africa to earn a PhD, and is a member of parliament in Kenya.
This picture book tells her story, from childhood through studying abroad, coming home, and beginning the Green Belt Movement.
The illustrations are nice, but I would have preferred them to be page-sized, rather than enclosed in boxes significantly smaller than the pages. Or the pages could be smaller.
This picture book tells her story, from childhood through studying abroad, coming home, and beginning the Green Belt Movement.
The illustrations are nice, but I would have preferred them to be page-sized, rather than enclosed in boxes significantly smaller than the pages. Or the pages could be smaller.
January 22, 2022
"She wanted to help the land and people. We should too."
September 4, 2022
Beautiful book about the Green Belt Movement of Kenya, initiated by Wangari Maathai in 1977. A movement that solved the lack of firewood, poor soil, erosion and lack of drinking water in the area.
December 1, 2017
1. This book has been awarded with many honors including: the 2008 School Library Journal Best Books, the National Children's Book & Literacy Alliance, and the NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People in 2009.
2. I think this book is appropriate for grades first, second, and up.
3. This book is about Wangari, a woman from Africa, who truly appreciates the trees and nature in her village. Wangari leaves Africa for school, but when she returns all of the beauty she loved, is gone. She gathers a bunch of women and more and more join them in this revolution to plant more trees.
4. This is an inspiring book for young children. It teaches them to stand up for what they believe in; "right is right even if you're alone." Through the beautiful pictures and influential text I think students will be motivated to act.
5. I could use this book in many ways in the classroom. I would read the book aloud and have different activities for different lessons. One activity I would have after is have the students write about something they believe in. Another activity I would do with the class is take part in Wangari's work. I would plant a tree with my students.
2. I think this book is appropriate for grades first, second, and up.
3. This book is about Wangari, a woman from Africa, who truly appreciates the trees and nature in her village. Wangari leaves Africa for school, but when she returns all of the beauty she loved, is gone. She gathers a bunch of women and more and more join them in this revolution to plant more trees.
4. This is an inspiring book for young children. It teaches them to stand up for what they believe in; "right is right even if you're alone." Through the beautiful pictures and influential text I think students will be motivated to act.
5. I could use this book in many ways in the classroom. I would read the book aloud and have different activities for different lessons. One activity I would have after is have the students write about something they believe in. Another activity I would do with the class is take part in Wangari's work. I would plant a tree with my students.
October 7, 2018
Summary: Wangari Maathai was a young girl living on Mount Kenya in Africa. There were many beautiful trees all around her as she grew up there. One day she wins a scholarship to study in the United States. After six years, she returns to Mount Kenya where the ground is dried up and the trees are gone. Wangari is so sad, but decides to do something about it. She plants nine seedlings in her own backyard. After a while, she starts a small nursery and gives seedlings out to the other women in her village. Government men laugh at her, but she continues her work and pays the women who tend to their trees a small amount of money every three months. The government men get angry with her and put her in jail, but the other women do not stop. Soon, women all over Africa begin planting trees.
Evaluation: This is a strong story and shows that small things can make a big difference. I also love the message about standing up for what you believe in even if it is hard.
Teaching Points: This book has so many lessons to learn from it. I would read it to any age and teach about the environment and advocating for what you believe in. I definitely will have this book in my classroom to teach with.
Evaluation: This is a strong story and shows that small things can make a big difference. I also love the message about standing up for what you believe in even if it is hard.
Teaching Points: This book has so many lessons to learn from it. I would read it to any age and teach about the environment and advocating for what you believe in. I definitely will have this book in my classroom to teach with.
March 27, 2018
There is a picture book biography of environmental activist, feminist, and humanitarian Wangari Maathai who won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. It celebrates her life and work and is sure to be a hit with fans of nevertheless, she persisted stories.
Wangari was one of the first people to recognize the connection between environmental destruction and extreme poverty, and her efforts to fight deforestation in her native Kenya ran afoul with capitalist forces that insisted on their rights to purchase land previously held in common and log it to death regardless of the consequences for local subsistence farmers. As demonstrated by the Citizens United Supreme Court case, money = speech, so those with the power and means of production had all the say.
Unlike your humble reviewer, Wangari was undeterred by death threats that would have stopped me in my tracks. She enlisted the help of native women to replant forests who unexpectedly discovered their own strength. Thanks to her efforts, Kenya was saved from desertification, and impoverished rural women were uplifted.
Wangari was one of the first people to recognize the connection between environmental destruction and extreme poverty, and her efforts to fight deforestation in her native Kenya ran afoul with capitalist forces that insisted on their rights to purchase land previously held in common and log it to death regardless of the consequences for local subsistence farmers. As demonstrated by the Citizens United Supreme Court case, money = speech, so those with the power and means of production had all the say.
Unlike your humble reviewer, Wangari was undeterred by death threats that would have stopped me in my tracks. She enlisted the help of native women to replant forests who unexpectedly discovered their own strength. Thanks to her efforts, Kenya was saved from desertification, and impoverished rural women were uplifted.
April 21, 2018
"Wangari's Trees of Peace," is a childrens book featuring diversity, powerful women, and an inspiring environmentalist message. It is a true story about a woman from Kenya who leaves to study in America for six years and comes back to discover that the beautiful trees she got firewood from had been cut down by the government to make room for corporate buildings. Wangari decides to take a stand, recruiting the women of her village and starting a continental movement of repopulating the forests. Wangari was arrested, beaten, and demeaned, but she never gave up, and now when one looks down over Kenya, they see the vast expanse of trees that Wangari planted.
I rate this book four stars because the illustrations are lovely, the story includes quotes from Wangari herself, and the message is powerful. In the classroom, this book could be read during a lesson on environmentalism and how deforestation can destroy local ecosystems. The class could also go on a field trip and plant trees of their own, learning what trees need to grow.
I rate this book four stars because the illustrations are lovely, the story includes quotes from Wangari herself, and the message is powerful. In the classroom, this book could be read during a lesson on environmentalism and how deforestation can destroy local ecosystems. The class could also go on a field trip and plant trees of their own, learning what trees need to grow.
October 21, 2017
This biographical text details the story of Wangari Maathai as a young girl who leaves Kenya on scholarship to study in America. While away, her homeland is changing due to the rise in industrialization. Her once beautiful home is now barren as the lush green landscape has been cut down. She is heartbroken and decides to plant 9 seedlings. As the seeds grow so does an idea to plant more and get other women involved. This idea becomes the Green Belt Movement and leads to Wangari becoming a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Her drive, determination and willingness to do something small to make a change in turn changes the quality of life for many women in surrounding countries. The bright but simplistic illustrations of the book add so much character and allow even the youngest readers to "read the pictures".
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