Activism? Check. Environmentalism? Check. Feminism? Check. The incredible power of using your one-hummingbird voice for good? Check check check check. I LOVED this book– it is a perfect story for young readers, both engaging and inspiring, and I instantly pre-ordered a copy for my voracious-reader 6 y/o nephew. I love what the Rebel Girls series is doing for young readers, and I will absolutely be stocking up on these for when my baby daughter is at the chapter book stage. This wonderful novel had a powerful message of hope and activism for all ages– recommended for young and old readers alike. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an early copy!

This is a beautifully illustrated story which gives us an insight into the lesser known side of village life in Kenya, as well as having an empowering message.
Rebel Girls focus on telling stories from a female perspective which are empowering for children, as they see that whether you're a girl or boy or any gender you can do amazing things!
This is all done in a non preachy way.
In Dr Wangari Maathi plants a forest we get a glimpse into life in rural Kenya, growing up as a girl, and a cast of colourful characters and messages on feminism, nature, activism and conservation.
As a teacher, this is a book that would find itself right on home on any classroom bookshelf, and in the hearts of kids especially those who for whatever reason, might feel different, or like they 'can't' do something. They CAN!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and Rebel Girls for granting me access to an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A beautiful snippet of the expansive life and career of Dr. Maathai. Written in easy to understand language, the story of Wangari Maathai is brought to life through stunning images that capture her work as an environmentalist and political activist. Dr. Maathai is a personal hero of mine and I was pleased to see that the authors did not shy away from describing the pushback she received along every step of her journey. This book is perfect for young readers and budding environmentalists and empowers young people to be courageous enough to stand up for what they believe in.

*I received a time-limited digital loan of this title by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest // by Rebel Girls

"The world is changing, Wangari. Why not change with it?"

Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest is another exciting book coming from Rebel Girls. Following the style of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls books, this one again shows how one woman who has all the odds stacked against her can make a big difference for herself, her town, and even her country by doing small things one step at a time.

I've always been a fan of Rebel Girls books and have bought them for several young girls already. I learned about Dr. Maathai just the other week for a project that a coworker is doing on her so I was pleasantly surprised to see this book show up as suggested reading on #netgalley. As always, the illustrations beautifully accompanies the text that tells us about Dr. Maathai's childhood, walks us through her education and jobs, and finishes with the legacy she left behind after her death. This book is a wonderful addition to the shelves of anybody that wants more strong women represented, whether the reader is young or old.

Thank you to @rebelgirls and @netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. If anybody is looking for books that depict strong role models for their daughters (or even sons!), then take a look at any of the books by Rebel Girls!

Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest is a is a biography of Nobel Prize winning environmentalist/activist Dr. Wangari Maathai aimed at middle grade readers. Due out 25 Feb 2020 from Rebel Girls, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover and audio formats.

This is a biography which is factually based but also has allowed some (unspecified) changes for narrative flow. I liked learning about her early life and struggles to pursue an education in colonial Africa as a girl from a rural and economically challenged area. She worked for her progresses and when she had failures and setbacks, she picked herself up and tried again. Strength and conviction are a recurring theme in her life and I respect her determination.

Stories with strong and believable female role models are important and welcome for boys and girls. This is a well told biography of a subject who might be unfamiliar to many readers. The art by Eugenia Mello is colorful and engaging and illustrates the story well.

Well done and worthwhile. This would be a superlative choice for classroom, school library, gift, or personal library.

Five stars.

Rebel Girls should be commended for the informative and engaging stories of accomplished women, Dr. Maathai is so deserving of the attention and accolades she receives by the recounting of her life and dreams.
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I was generally familiar with Dr. Matthai but this book increased my knowledge of all that she did. She encompassed all the ideals and qualities that should be emulated by the readers. I would recommend this book to older elementary school students since some of the subject matter may be a bit too difficult for young ones.
Her life commitment to the environment is so detailed in the book and serves as a testament to what others can do to help sustain it. It is, indeed, so timely and applicable to today. The illustrations are so vivid and powerful, What an exemplary person and book!

I adore all the Rebel Girls books for bringing the stories of amazing women to life that I otherwise probably would not have learned about. Dr. Wangari Maathai was the first Kenyan woman (and the first woman from east and central Africa) to get a PhD in the 1970s. She went on to become a renowned environmentalist - colonialism under the British had wreaked havoc on the Kenyan landscape and she started the Green Belt Movement to replant the forests that had been lost. Starting just one tree at a time, the organization has since planted millions! This book has a fantastic message for children - that every little bit can help, dream big but start small, etc. I also liked that they included instructions for young readers in the back on how to start a plant of their own!

The Rebel Girls have done it again, creating an interesting and engaging biography for young readers. Dr. Wangari Maathai's tale has beautiful art and tells the story of how one woman stood up to corruption and injustice to make a difference in her country and world. A must have for any elementary and middle collection!

enjoyed reading this book about Dr. Maathai, a Kenyan biologist and environmentalist who made great strides in protecting Kenya's environment and natural resources. Her story was well-told but clearly for older children; a divorce was skimmed over and references to being violently oppressed by the government were stated in a very minimal way. As an adult, it left me with more questions to research. I'm eager to share this with my kid when she's old enough, though.

I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I did note that the art in my kindle version did not display properly. I hope and assume this will be fixed for the official release

I must admit that I have never heard of this magnificent woman, but I have heard of the green belt project. This truly fascinating story takes you to a journey about love of living things, plants, animals and humans. A must read for the younger generations as the global warming crisis is very noticeable all over the world we need more inspiration to plant into people heads so maybe one day the following generations will be able to see the same species of animals and plants that we see today.
An absolute inspiring work of art have come to live through Wangari Maathai.

I'm glad to know more about Dr. Maathai through such a well-told story. It's simple and succinct, yet maintains an honesty and depth that is engaging and inspiring. The illustrations are a vibrant addition that bring Maathai's culture and enthusiasm to life. I look forward to reading more in the Rebel Girls series.

A well detailed and written story about the work of Dr Wangari. This would be a great book to tie to a hands on science lesson or an environmental studies group for middle grades or below. I was not familiar with her story, and found this inspiring.

A fascinating read about a woman who literally changed the world.

I love the match between pictures and words, although the pictures didn't come through very well in the Kindle version. It's enough to know that they'll be lovely in the finished version. The story was very interesting, and I really enjoyed learning about the Green Belt movement. The exercises at the end were great, too.

A brilliant read.

Thank you NetGalley and RebelGirls for the ARC provided.

I loved this book! Brilliant and inspiring story that anybody can read, children and adults. To be honest I don’t know any woman named Dr. Wangari Maathai until I read this book. She is such an dedicated, smart, intelligent woman that really wants to take care of her place and country (Kenya) and not being afraid by how hard she was struggling just to want to save the Earth and her country.

Reading this makes me remember how I have to take care of my plants more better and how I want to take my kids to teach and influence them how to appreciate the nature and everything that has been given to us. Dr. Wangari Maathai and her brilliant ideas needs to be continued in anywhere in this world.

I really recommend this book for any children or middle grade readers, just to inspire and make them learning about how to take care the nature, how to reach their dream like Dr. Wangari Maanthai, how not to given up the dreams just like that.

I really liked this!

Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest is a wonderful little story about Dr. Wangari Maathai, an environmental and political activist with, as the book tells you, many accomplishments under her belt. The book takes you on a journey through Dr. Maathai’s life, starting from her early childhood to her final days. Despite semi-biographical, the book isn’t boring or stuffy (as many (semi)biographical works can be) and is instead a nicely written, thoroughly engaging story that will interest both young and older readers alike. Artwork on the more simplistic side with big brush strokes and bold colors accompany various moments from the book, providing an overall lovely reading experience. I think both children, particularly any with an interest in nature, and adults who are always looking to further their knowledge of various women’s contributions to the world (As was my case. I had never heard of Dr. Maathai before picking this up!) would enjoy this book!

A fantastically informative book about an environmentalist icon that I had never heard of. Dr. Wangari's work was simple yet essential and I am glad that she is succeeded by her inspirational daughters.

This is a chapter book written by Rebel Girls and its purpose is to inspire young girls to explore their passions and dreams.
In this one we read about the life of Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Prize. It gives you what you need to know about her and how she followed her dreams and passions despite the difficulties.
Beautiful illustrations, too.