Temple Grandin Reviews

Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Austism and Changed the World
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, ISBN 978-0547443157

Temple Grandin“Montgomery paints a picture of a woman who overcame enormous odds to be highly successful in her chosen career as an animal scientist, designing humane livestock facilities. Although autism can be a devastating diagnosis, Grandin’s own words help readers understand why she says her autism adds a dimension to her life that she would not want to be without. The descriptions of the many people who knew her when she was a child and the ways they either helped or hindered her progress give a clear understanding of some of the obstacles in her path. Montgomery includes a thorough explanation of the disorder, helping readers to comprehend this atypical neuropathy. The lively, well-worded narrative is complemented by ample use of photographs and Grandin’s complicated drawings of her inventions. For librarians who struggle to find well-written biographies of women, this is a must-buy.”
—Wendy Smith-D’Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD, School Library Journal


“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 When Temple was a child, she was withdrawn and unable to communicate. In 1950, at the age of three, she received an unheard-of diagnosis: autism. Temple’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. Temple’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.”
—Ann Kelley, Booklist


“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….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.”
—Ashley Waring, The Horn Book


“TEMPLE GRANDIN is a powerful biography featuring the life and accomplishments of Temple Grandin. The author reveals Grandin’s genius intelligence and extraordinary, modern-day inventions. Grandin, diagnosed with autism when she was three years old, grew up in the 1950s, when little was known about the disease. In fact, her father wanted to place her in an institution because he thought she was “retarded,” but her mother would not allow it. She believed in her daughter and sent Grandin to places and schools that fostered her strengths. Temple’s mother was the driving force behind her success. In spite of unique kinds of thought processes, Grandin would not change a thing about being autistic because that is who she is—she embraces it. HBO produced a memoir about her life, and actress Claire Danes spent time with Grandin while playing her. In 2010, Grandin was recognized as one of the one hundred most influential people in Time Magazine for tirelessly devoting her life to inventing humane conditions for the final moments of cows and other livestock. This work of nonfiction is a riveting memoir. It is meant for readers who would like to learn more about autism and contemporary inventors. The author includes illustrations and a resourceful listing of further information on the topic.”
—Sharon Blumberg, VOYA, top rating.


“In the end, the message of Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World is one of acceptance and inclusion, using autism awareness and education as the vehicles to achieve this aim. Bravo!”
—Courtney Webb, New York Journal of Books


“Montgomery does a marvelous job of acquainting us with Grandin, conveying what it’s like to live inside her mind as well as what it’s like to know her.”
—Sarah Earle, Concord Monitor


“Extraordinary….it teaches kids about (Grandin’s) fearless vision and drive…and it explains what it feels like to be autistic and how Grandin believes it shaped her as a person.
—Letter Blocks, Barnes & Noble’s Parents and Educators Blog.”


“With extensive access to Temple Grandin, her family, friends, and schools, author Sy Montgomery has crafted an inspiring, engaging, and informative biography about this singular woman….Who should read this book? Everyone!”
—Shelf Employed, the librarian blog on books for children and young adults.