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  • Published: 4 June 2019
  • ISBN: 9781580896276
  • Imprint: Charlesbridge Children
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $17.99

Wangari Maathai

The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees





Unique storytelling and bright illustrations bring this picture-book biography of Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai to life.

“Trees are living symbols of peace and hope.” –Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace laureate

Wangari Maathai changed the way the world thinks about nature, ecology, freedom, and democracy, inspiring radical efforts that continue to this day.This simply told story begins with Green Belt Movement founder Wangari Maathai’s childhood at the foot of Mount Kenya where, as the oldest child in her family, her responsibility was to stay home and help her mother. When the chance to go to school presented itself, she seized it with both hands. She traveled to the US to study, where she saw that even in the land of the free, black people were not welcome.

Returning home, Wangari was determined to help her people and her country. She recognized that deforestation and urbanization was at the root of her country’s troubles. Her courage and confidence carried her through adversity to found a movement for peace, reconciliation, and healing. 

Aurélia Fronty’s beautiful illustrations show readers the color and diversity of Wangari’s Africa—the green trees and the flowering trees full of birds, monkeys, and other animals; the roots that dig deep into the earth; and the people who work and live on the land.

  • Published: 4 June 2019
  • ISBN: 9781580896276
  • Imprint: Charlesbridge Children
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $17.99

Praise for Wangari Maathai

Praise for Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees:

  • Four starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly
  • Bank Street Best Books 2016
  • Top Mighty Girl Book for Young Children
  • 2016 Amelia Bloomer List
  • Booklist's 2015 Top Ten Biographies for Youth
  • The USBBY Outstanding International Books honor list
  • Huffington Post Best Biography honorable mention
  • "Stands out among others about Wangari Maathai with its well-crafted treatment of political issues."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
  • "Evocative, lush, and sometimes surprising images."--Booklist, starred review
  • "The writing is artful, clear, and concise."--School Library Journal, starred review
  • "Extensive appended materials offer powerful supplemental information to conclude this standout tribute."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
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