Horn Book Review
Temple Grandin is autistic; she thinks in pictures, not words; her senses are overwhelmingly receptive. She's also a genius and a world-renowned expert on animal science. In so many ways Grandin is a unique individual, yet biographer Montgomery illustrates how her struggles and triumphs are universal. Through prolific use of concrete examples from Grandin's childhood and adolescence, Montgomery makes Grandin someone with whom readers can identify. What teenager hasn't felt that they don't fit in? that school is boring? that life is moving too fast? Featuring a foreword by Grandin, photographs from her childhood and adult life, reproductions of her schematic designs for livestock facilities, and inserts on topics ranging from autism to factory farming, Montgomery's book is full of inspiration and information. There are some graphic descriptions of various slaughterhouses Grandin has visited, but they serve to add weight to the importance of her humane work. One of Grandin's greatest gifts is her ability to describe what it is like inside her mind and how her mind and nervous system are similar to those of animals. Because of this, Montgomery's book not only tells the powerful story of one amazing woman's life journey, but also has potential to help readers understand autistic people and animals. An appendix includes Grandin's advice for kids on the autism spectrum, as well as a selected bibliography and list of resources. Photo credits and an index were not available for review. ashley waring(c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
It isn't easy to describe how the mind of someone with autism works, but Montgomery's biography effectively breaks the disorder down for a younger audience while introducing the extraordinary life of activist Temple Grandin. When Grandin was a child, she was withdrawn and unable to communicate. In 1950, at the age of three, she received an unheard-of diagnosis: autism. Grandin's mind thinks visually, in pictures, much the way it is believed that animals think. As such, she is empathetic to their needs and has advocated for the humane treatment of livestock by redesigning cattle facilities to be cruelty-free. In the early chapters, Montgomery's narrative jumps back and forth in time with disjointed results, but it smoothes out as the book progresses. Grandin's story presents autism as a gift, and her I like the way I think attitude will be inspiring to many. With informational sidebars, photos, and blueprints for humane animal-processing facilities as well as extensive back matter, including Temple's Advice for Kids on the Spectrum and resources this title will be useful for educators and kids in discussing the prevalent, often misunderstood disorder.--Kelley, Ann Copyright 2010 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-This excellent biography, enhanced by Meredith Mitchell's skillful narration, not only describes the extraordinary accomplishments of animal scientist Grandin, it also explains for young listeners how autism affects the way the brain works. Born in 1947, Grandin suffered as a child from a disorder that made communication and personal interaction almost impossible. With time, a persistent mother, and sympathetic teachers and friends, Grandin was able to reach her potential, becoming a professor at Colorado State University, creating humane livestock equipment, and advocating for those with autism spectrum disorders. Students will also enjoy watching the HBO movie about Grandin, available in many public libraries or online (ow.ly/soKhH). Educators can encourage students to compare and contrast the story in the film with the story in the audiobook. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
(Nonfiction. 10-13)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
