This is another entry in a series of illustrated biographies for beginning chapter book readers. Each book tells the story of an inspiring woman. This time readers meet young Wangari and watch her grow up to do amazing things.

Wangari grew up in a beautiful Kenyan countryside where her mother’s stories and acts taught Wangari to love and respect nature. Wangari eventually left home to obtain further education. When she returned to her community, she found that the environment was under severe stress due to deforestation and more. Be inspired by what Wangari goes on to do in light of this. She even wins a Nobel prize.

This book would be an asset to home and school libraries. Hopefully, young readers will learn even as they are entertained.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.

This might be the shortest of the Rebel Girls books I have read so far, also this one has less pictures than other ones and the chapters are somewhat longer too. If I recommend all other Rebel Girls to middle grade audience, this one might be suitable for someone who is less interested in drawings along the text (let’s be honest, most kids LOVE pictures, no matter how awesome the story is, right?).
This book celebrates diversity. This book celebrates a woman’s mission to make the world a better place despite all the injustices she herself is facing.

I received an electronic ARC from Rebel Girls through NetGalley.
Part of their chapter book series for elementary level readers.
Readers meet Wangari Maathai as a child learning to care for the earth. Her mother teaches her how to care for the natural world by their village so they will survive too. This connection to nature carries through her life's work. The text and illustrations bring readers into Wangari's world. I appreciate the writing style that will appeal to this reader level. The information provided in the Afterward offers more about Wangari, and the challenges offered to finish the book encourage readers to find causes they believe in and move forward with them.

What a great book about an amazing woman who wasn't afraid to face the injustices that surrounded her. To accomplish what she did despite the prejudices that surrounded her her entire life is an amazing accomplishment and a story that is wonderful for girls and women of all ages.

This is my first Rebel Girls book, and I don’t know if this is written in all the books, but this type of inspiration is needed more in the world!

“To the Rebel Girls of the World:

Care for your beliefs
As if the were seeds
Then watch them grow”

Another book that grabbed me immediately because it’s about trees and forests — add in that if records the life of a trailblazing woman, and I’m 100% sold!

Set in a Kenya, the opening scene, although located across the continent from the setting of Malidoma Patrice Some’s book still, it reminds me of “Of Water and The Spirit” — so powerful is the ancient, spiritual connection to trees, the strength of family, fireside stories, our relationships with the earth, and the interconnectedness of all things.

The inspiring book follows Wangari's education, travels, her experiences with social divisions, inequalities, prejudices and racism, which ultimately leads her to question politics and practices back in Kenya … this follows Wangari’s life and shines a light on the importance of taking action for what you value and believe in. Go Rebel Girls! Highly Recommend.

great imagery matched with accessible wording and story telling. A cry out for change and the power that women and girls can make when they truly belief and have passion. Dr Wangari Maathai is inspirational, but not distant, Beautiful writing makes sure that the book inspires and will leave girls chomping at the bit to make their mark.

I absolutely love the Rebel Girls publications due to the diversity they show within them and how much even I, as an adult, learn about new and amazing women. This book details Dr. Wangari Maathai, a person I was unfamiliar with. Starting in Kenya when Wangari was seven years old, through running for government, to the start and continuation of the Green Belt Movement, this book covers the inspiration behind Wangari's work.
I love that this book has great learning activities connecting to the story. By asking learners what they care about and diving deeper into that care, students will be encouraged to engage healthily with their core beliefs and emotions. The second hands-on activity encourages students to grow a plant which can be great for connecting to ongoing science lessons.
This is a great book for anyone looking to learn more about Dr. Wangari Maathai, protecting the planet, or how one person fought for something they felt deeply connected to.

Dr Wangari was an incredible advocate and environmentalist from Kenya. She created an organization called the Green Belt Movement which planted trees all over Kenya and advocated for protection of the ecosystem, specifically saving the Uhuru Park in Nairobi from the government building on it. Before she passed away, she won a Nobel Peace Prize.

Reading about Wangari's passion for the environment and her country is amazing. She did not let others talk down to her and worked hard to improve life for her community through planting trees and advocating.

Rebel Girls does a wonderful job bringing powerful stories of women who deserve more discussion and respect. This series should be a staple in every library and classroom.

This historical fiction novel from the Rebel Girls series focuses on the first African woman to win a Nobel Prize. Wangari Maathai was an an environmental activist, and it's great to see her story told here for upper elementary and middle grade students!