The Outdoor Scientist

March 1, 2021
Grades 5-7 Inviting young audiences to join her in exploring nature--from birds to flowers to stars--Grandin offers a mix of autobiographical notes about her own early interest in science and her autism, info drops on topics ranging from animal emotions to dendrochronology (the study of tree rings) and space-suit design, and directions for dozens of hands-on activities. These activities range from practicing such basic skills as building a cairn and choosing good stones for skipping to creating various craft projects or charting animal observations via ethograms. Along with inserting URLs for relevant websites throughout as well as a modest but helpful assortment of line drawings and photos, she also adds quick tributes to scientists and inventors, from paleontologists Mary Anning and Stephen Jay Gould to Martin Frederick Christensen (who patented the first machine for making glass marbles), then closes with abundant lists of resources for further study. Readers should have no trouble getting past her slightly stilted prose to see the impish humor and wide mind beneath.

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March 1, 2021

Gr 3-7-Grandin (b. 1947) is a renowned American scientist and one of the most well-known public figures with autism. Her assured narrative voice is clear as she shares her childhood stories. She connects with her audience in a personal and fascinating style while detailing her early scientific observations about the natural world. Grandin says what she observed sparked questions and investigation, which is at the heart of all science. She encourages readers to explore the outdoors, just as other well-known (Carl Sagan, Jacques Cousteau, and Stephen Hawking) and lesser-known scientists did when they were children. The book combines memoir, biography, informational text, and engaging projects. This text will especially appeal to those who are deeply interested in nature, but it will also motivate children to explore outside their homes and observe. Following the introduction, the chapters cover "Rocks," "The Beach," "The Woods," "Birds," "The Night Skies," and "Animal Behavior." Back matter includes an extensive bibliography, articles by the author, citizen science sources for science teachers, and acknowledgments. An index is not included. VERDICT Grandin's words are a rallying cry for budding scientists and she serves as a role model for young readers with autism. This is an important STEM and STREAM resource for every collection.-Helen Foster James, Univ. of California at San Diego

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2021
A well-known animal scientist, engineer, and spokesperson for people with autism shares the enthusiasm she's had since childhood for the natural world. In a chatty narrative organized in topical chapters--rocks, the beach, the woods, birds, the night skies, and animal behavior--Grandin weaves memories of her childhood passion for the natural world with facts she's learned since. She shares some challenges she faced as an autistic child as well as some advantages of her difference. Throughout, she conveys a continuing sense of wonder and a habit of close observation. Interstitial segments recount stories of other scientists, often mentioning their early interests. Each chapter also includes clear directions for do-it-yourself projects, 40 in all, from making your own crystals to keeping track of monarch butterflies. Within the narrative, she often includes websites and book titles, showing her readers how she learned and encouraging their further investigations. Several chapters and the book conclude with reminders that our Earth needs some help. Within each general area, the science conveyed is prompted by her memories rather than an organized survey. She demonstrates how curiosity can propel and fulfill a human being to learn all kinds of things. Readers will, too, since the book is chock-full of information--occasionally incomplete or misleading but mostly the kind a nature-loving child will be thrilled to discover. An invitation to young readers to observe, enjoy, and learn about the world around us all. (bibliography, further reading, citizen-science projects) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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