This ALA Notable picture book tells the story of Wangara Maathai who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work with the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. The environmentalist changed the fate of Kenya's future by teaching Kenyans of all ages to plant trees on the country's barren land. Over 30 million trees have been planted since Maathai founded the movement. The watercolor pictures beautifully illustrate the story. The Author's Note at the end provides the history of the project and describes Wangari's role as an activitist in her country. A great read aloud for grades K-4, it really could be used with all ages to discuss the environment and the subject of activism.
Note - there is another 2008 picture book on this same subject, Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa that received positive reviews as well.
3/18/2009
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Second. What a great story! This book could be used in middle school as a read aloud. See also "Wangari's Trees of Peace." Both books have a place in our discussions.
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