The Girl Who Thought In Pictures Written By: Julia Finley Mosca Illustrated By: Daniel Rieley
About:
If you have ever not fit in, felt weird around a group of people or been outcast by those you love then this book is a must read for you. This book chronicles the life of Dr. Temple Grandin who is an world-renowned scientist and public speaker. Being born with autism gave Dr. Grandin a major obstacle which she had to overcome. Life was not easy with autism though as many people thought of her as strange, and lacking potential thinking that her future was bleak. But, one very influential teacher allowed her to find her niche and from there her potential was realized. She goes on to create several innovations for agriculture and farms showing the world it takes brains of all kinds and everyone has a gift.
Thoughts:
This book can serve as a model of perseverance and acceptance for all children and adults. One of the final lines in the story reads “Each person is special so UNIQUE are our minds. This world needs YOUR ideas. It takes brains of ALL kinds!” Through Dr. Grandin’s journey the author shows that it is important for all ideas to be valued and that anyone can change any field. If we can all adopt this motto then the world will be a place which all people will feel valued and cared for. Each person will then reach their limitless potential.
In addition this story shows someone who pioneered technology in a field which was not populated by women. It shows that students who express interest in a certain field should have that interest fostered even if it is atypical. With that nurture there is no telling what anyone can do. Dr. Grandin’s story can serve as a mirror for any child who is going to a field where they are the minority.
In addition to the story, there are also elaborate timelines, a biography and a letter written by the real Dr. Temple Grandin which can shed further light on her amazing accomplishments.
Classroom Application:
This book is part of a series called Amazing Scientists. This series chronicles inspiring scientists from all walks of life to inspire others who are interested in science. In his series there are several activities which correspond with each book and the series as a whole. https://www.amazingscientists.com/printables/
In addition I would recommend this book for two different settings in the classroom. First, this book discusses the need for everyone ideas, and acceptance of all. Due to this I would recommend this book as a read aloud at the beginning of the year because it will demonstrate to students that everyone is capable of having fantastic ideas. You can also use this book to discuss short and long term goal setting and emphasizing how students will get to their goals as opposed to simply identifying them. The second setting I would recommend this book for is during STEM based lessons or lessons where students are encouraged to be creative and invent or create something. This book will help students in this setting because it explores how to solve problems that arise as you are creating a new invention. This book can serve as a great model for all new scientists.
Additional Resources:
Ted Talk about accepting all minds by Dr. Grandin:
https://www.ted.com/talks/temple_grandin_the_world_needs_all_kinds_of_minds?language=en
Movie Trailer about the book:












