Temple Grandin: How the girl who loved cows embraced autism and changed the world

-Sy Montgomery & Temple Grandin

NONFICTION J BIO

When Temple Grandin was born, her parents knew that she was different. Years later she was diagnosed with autism.

While Temple’s doctor recommended a hospital, her mother believed in her. Temple went to school instead.

Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Her world-changing career revolutionized the livestock industry. As an advocate for autism, Temple uses her experience as an example of the unique contributions that autistic people can make.

This compelling biography complete with Temple’s personal photos takes us inside her extraordinary mind and opens the door to a broader understanding of autism.

*****

I love Temple Grandin and everything she has done for livestock welfare, to better the lives of the animals who serve and give their lives for us. Many books for younger readers have tried and failed to tackle the concept and issue of autism while giving respect to the individuals who have it. I’m pleased this book does both – tackles the subject, respects the subject AND is wonderfully easy to understand for the age of any person reading it. If you’re trying to find a book to introduce the issue of autism to any age group (but especially the youngest ones), I highly recommend this biography that speaks of the blossoming neurodiversity movement through Grandin’s experiences. This book balances autism education and Grandin’s life story very well – both in easy-to-understand forms. We need more books like this about those with autism, in all genres. I saw this book in our library's Junior collection and selected it to be my lunch-time read. I like the easy and informative format and hope our junior readers appreciate it as I did.

Heidi Y.