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

 

Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World

Bibliography

Montgomery, Sy. (2014).  Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World.  New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.  ISBN 9780544339095.

Plot Summary

This biography describes Temple's upbringing, her autism, her dedication, and her accomplishments in the world of livestock management and animal welfare.  The beginning chapters show how Temple struggled as an autistic child and explained how she thought in pictures instead of words.  Once her mother found the right school for her, she excelled, but when she had to move on to high school, she faced teasing by bullies at her new school.  Temple found a group of people she could relate to and began a project with her teacher in which she studied the calming effects of pressure on people when placed in a cattle-like squeeze chute.  She continued this research into college and graduate school, designing appropriate squeeze chutes for cattle that eased their fear.  Temple had a strong connection with animals because she thought in pictures much like they do, and for her doctorate research she designed pens that were more calming to livestock.  She understood how the minds of cattle worked, so she was able to eliminate all potential sources of fear.   Temple has made a profound impact on the livestock industry and slaughterhouses, even partnering with big businesses like McDonalds, to ensure that the animals are humanely treated.

Critical Analysis

Montgomery does an excellent job of showing Grandin's brilliance and dedication as well as shedding light on the thought processes of those with autism.  Scattered in between chapters are several "fact sheet" pages about autism spectrum disorder and those affected by it.  This book is as much about understanding autism as it is about Temple Grandin.  Montgomery explains how Grandin sees challenges as physical "doors" that she must make it through, and this is partially what drives her, and it really does show the reader that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.  The validity of the stories about Grandin's life and experiences are backed up by testimony and interviews from friends and coworkers as well as commentary by Grandin herself.  The book also includes many photographs and images showing Temple's life, including the blueprints for some of the pens she designed. The language used in the book was very simple, and I think the book would appeal more to middle school readers than high school.

Awards & Review Excerpts

2013 Jane Addams Children's Book Awards Honor

2013 SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books Winner

School Library Journal Starred, 4/1/2012 by Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo

"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."

School Library  Connection, 11/1/2012, Highly Recommended by Suzanne Jo Libra

"The author’s research includes interviews with family members and childhood friends, drawings by Dr. Grandin, and family photographs. It also includes sections on autism, the abnormality of genius, and Dr. Grandin’s advice to children on the autism spectrum. Her continued work and success offer proof that many things are possible. This would be a good book to introduce the concept of autism to students, and a good biography in a unit on women or scientists."

Connections

This book would be great to help students understand autism and how people with autism think.  It would also be of high interest to those interested in livestock management.  Readers may also enjoy Funny, You Don't Look Autistic: A Comedian's Guide to Life on the Spectrum by Michael McCreary, ISBN 9781773212579 or The Outdoor Scientist by Temple Grandin, ISBN 9780593445558.