Wangari Maathai & The Leaf Detective

Picture biography, 48 pages. The story begins with Green Belt Movement founder Wangari Maathai's childhood in Kenya and continues through her political activism. Published in 2015 by Charlesbridge Publishing. Significant reading and resource lists at the back of the book.

Picture biography, 48 pages. Lowman created a future for herself as a scientist and then set out to be the first scientist to climb up and investigate the rain forest canopy. Published in 2021 by Calkins Creek. Significant reading and resource lists at the back of the book.

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Brief History of Naturalists

The history of naturalists tends to be white and male. In a list of great Naturalists -- from Audubon to Thoreau to  Irwin -- there are very few women or people of color. And it's hard to find indigenous peoples named as naturalists, let alone ones who have complete biographies written for their work. Therefore, books reviewed this week were selected in an attempt to widen the focus of our lens.

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Why Two Books?

Similarities

As I read and review so many children's books, I have developed a desire to write more in-depth about how to use these "living books" - a Charlotte Mason concept - in the classroom and at home. Living books are those in which children are delighted by the combination of story, facts and  illustrations.

Wangari Maathai and Margaret Lowman worked worlds apart, but their passions for trees and people, as well as their perseverance in the face of opposition and obstacles were quite similar. It is possible they crossed paths at some point before Maathai's death in 2011, but if so, it is not reflected in these books.

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Learning with Living Books

Here is a 4-day nature study plan for younger children which includes Wangari Maathai, The Leaf Detective and Leaf Man. A longer study outline for older children could be created by adding The Practical Naturalist, Sky Tree and WishTree, as well as writing and more formal drawing activities.

Learning with Living Books: Trees & Leaves
Nature Study 4-day Unit for 5 - 8 year olds

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