Module 12 – Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World

Module 12 – Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery

 

Book Summary

When Temple Grandin was born, her parents knew that she was different. After many false conclusions, she was eventually diagnosed with autism which was poorly understood at the time. Temple’s doctors recommended institutionalization but her mother refused and sent Temple to school instead. Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist and professor  at Colorado State University. Her inventions have revolutionized the livestock industry. As an advocate for autism, Temple uses her experience as an example of the unique contributions that autistic people can make. This compelling biography, including Temple’s personal photos, gives us a peek inside her extraordinary mind and “opens the door” to a broader understanding of autism.

APA Reference of Book

Montgomery, S. (2012). Temple Grandin: How the girl who loved cows embraced autism and changed the world. New York, NY: HMH Books for Young Readers.

My Impressions

Everyone could benefit from reading this book.  First, if you don’t already know her, you would be introduced to the amazing Temple Grandin, one of my own personal heroes.   Even if you have no neurodiverse people in your life (which is doubtful), you can relate to the many metaphorical doors that were slammed in Temple’s face and the way she persevered until she found a door that would open. Next, you would enjoy the work of the talented Sy Montgomery. I was introduced to this author through a book club several years ago when we read The Good, Good, Pig.  Montgomery provides us with an intimate glimpse into Temple’s life, her struggles and her triumphs. While Temple’s inspiring life story would be more than enough, the reader will also gain insight into the world of autism and the humane treatment of farm animals. 

What the Professionals Say

From VOYA ~

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.

Blumberg, S. (2012). [Review of the book Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by S. Montgomery]. Voice Of Youth Advocates, 34(6), 619.

A Suggestion for Use in a Library Setting

I would use the book as one of our book selections for our teen book club.  My first priority with having them read the book would be simply to introduce them to the amazing person Temple Grandin.  The book would also help raise their awareness of several important issues.  One is autism and other forms of neurodiversity.  The other is animal welfare.  In conjunction with our book discussion, I would have the kids participate in an art activity.  There is a template of a cowboy shirt at http://sciencenetlinks.com/media/filer/2013/05/01/templegrandin_cowboy_shirt_template_2.pdf

I would print out enough copies of the shirt so that each student could have one to decorate. While we are discussing the book, they can use markers, sequins, yarn, crayons, fabric scraps, and other materials to create their own Temple Grandin shirt.  As they are decorating, if they hear something that really impresses them about Temple or her life – they can write that down on the paper also. 

At the end of the discussion I would ask the teens if their opinions and/or perceptions were changed or challenged in any way by reading and discussing this book.  I look forward to hearing their ideas and opinions – and seeing their shirts.