Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest

Dr. Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, led a life of environmental activism and is an inspiration to people everywhere. Narrated by Bahni Turpin, this historical novel based on Maathai's life sounds equally inspiring. From her childhood in rural Kenya to her study at American universities and then her tenure as a professor in Nairobi, Dr. Maathai struggled against sexism, political favoritism, and colonialist practices that were destroying the once lush Kenyan landscape. Listeners hear Maathai's passion and excitement when she realizes that trees are the solution to Kenya's environmental problems. With Kikuyu words and names, various distinct voices, and African accents, Turpin evokes sympathy for Maathai's determined efforts to lead Kenyan women in the Green Belt Movement. S.C. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine