Synopsis: When Temple Grandin was born, her parents realized she was different. Years later she was diagnosed with autism. Temple’s father wanted her institutionalized. However, her mother refused to give up on her little girl. She searched out and found the “right” schools for her daughter as she grew up. These were places where Temple was allowed to be herself and develop her talents in spite of her struggles with language and her sensitivity to noise. Because of her autism, Temple sees the world through pictures or visually, the way animals do. Using this strength, she went on to college and is now a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. She is also famous and in demand for her ability to understand animals and is an in demand consultant in agribusiness and advocate for humane treatment of animals.
What I like about it and who would enjoy it: Sy Montgomery has written a fascinating portrait of Temple Grandin! It is a lively telling of Temple Grandin’s life, well written and sprinkled with photos and examples of Temple’s work. This is the kind of non-fiction you want to get into student’s hands and may well spur them to read more about this subject. I hope that Sy Montgomery wins some award for this book! Temple Grandin is a real-life heroine for our time! Highly recommended for grades 5th through 8th.