Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World Book Review by Sy Montg

 


Written by Sy Montgomery and Temple Grandin
Published by Clarion Books in 2012
ISBN: 978-0547443157

Plot Summary: This biography begins shortly after Grandin's birth in Massachusetts. Temple's parents realize early on that there was something different about their daughter as she didn't enjoy physical contact, was slow to speak, and was easily overstimulated which are some telling signs of Autism. Grandin's mother takes her to a specialist where she is diagnosed with Autism. Grandin's father wants nothing to do with his daughter and wants to put her into a psychiatric facility but her mom does her best to help Grandin learn to live in everyday society. Grandin doesn't do well in normal schools so she is send to a boarding school that specializes in helping people like Grandin. She finds her niche as she enjoys the outdoors and working with animals at the school. She becomes fixated on cattle chutes which cows are put into for giving medicine and checkups. She earns her masters from Arizona State in animal behavior and she becomes well known for her work in the area of animal behavior even working for major corporations like McDonalds. She becomes a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and has even had a film made about her life as she has written and spoken about animal behavior and autism to many around the country. 

Critical Analysis: This book was very interesting as it showed how even though people may be different, it doesn't mean that they don't have a place in society. Her work and her life is a testament to the fact that even when you might be told you have a disability, there is still ways that you can do amazing things in this world. Celebrating differences is what makes our world great. Grandin made it through discrimination and being bullied which shows that with hard work and some good luck, people can find their place in the world. Grandin's brain works differently than others but it didn't slow her down or hold her back as she was able to use those differences to look at problems differently and figure out better solutions especially in the way that animals were treated. This book is a testament to those who don't think they can do it just because they don't fit the normal stereotype of what it means to be a human. 

Review: “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

Connections: Students could research other famous people who were born with disabilities and how they overcame them as well as looking into Grandin's life especially if they have an interest in animals. They can also research different types of neurodivergent brains and see if there are connections between diet, environment, and other factors into what causes them. 

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