La historia de la ambientalista Wangari Maathai (The Story of Environmentalist Wangari Maathai)

By Jen Cullerton Johnson, Sonia Lynn Sadler, Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz
Out of Stock

Paperback available October 7, 2025

Esta entrada inspiradora en la series de “Historia” de libros por capítulos biográficos se enfoca en Wangari Maathai, la primera mujer africana, y ambientalista, a ganar el Premio Nobel de Paz.

This inspiring entry in the “Story of” line of chapter-book biographies features Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

Front cover for Semillas de cambio by Jen Cullerton Johnson and Sonia Lynn Sadler
This book is also available in Spanish
Semillas de cambio
By Jen Cullerton Johnson, Sonia Lynn Sadler
Front cover for The Story of Environmentalist Wangari Maathai by Jen Cullerton Johnson and Sonia Lynn Sadler
This book is also available in English
The Story of Environmentalist Wangari Maathai
By Jen Cullerton Johnson, Sonia Lynn Sadler
Front cover for Seeds of Change by Jen Cullerton Johnson and Sonia Lynn Sadler
This book is also available in English
Seeds of Change
By Jen Cullerton Johnson, Sonia Lynn Sadler

Description

Wangari creció amando la naturaleza alrededor de ella en Kenia: desde los árboles mugumo hasta el río y los renacuajos que nadaban en él. Aunque muchas mujeres en Kenia no recibían educación, la familia de Wangari apoyó su curiosidad y pudo aprender muchas cosas maravillosas sobre el medio ambiente en cursos de ciencia. Sus estudios la llevaron lejos de su hogar, pero cuando vio que el Gobierno de su país estaba maltratando sus amados mugumos y el río, ella regresó con un plan. Sus ideas protegieron el ecosistema y a la vez promovieron los derechos de sus paisanas, y la hicieron la primer mujer africana y ambientalista a ganar el Premio Nobel de Paz.

La historia de dedicación de Maathai empoderadá a todos los que amen las bellezas que ofrece el mundo natural. Este libro por capítulos incluye ilustraciones en blanco y negro, así como barras laterales sobre temas relacionados, una línea detiempo, un glosario y lecturas recomendadas. Perfecto para lectores que buscan pasar de libros ilustrados al siguiente nivel de lectura.

Wangari grew up loving the nature around her in Kenya: from the mugumo trees to the river and the tadpoles that swam within it. Though many women in Kenya didn’t receive an education, Wangari’s family supported her curiosity and she was able to learn many wonderful things about the environment in science classes. Her studies took her far from home, but when she saw that her country’s government was mistreating her beloved mugumos and river, she came back with a plan. Her ideas protected the ecosystem and promoted her countrywomen’s rights at the same time, and they made her the first African woman and environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The story of Maathai’s dedication will empower all who love the beautiful things the natural world offers. This chapter-book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading. Perfect for readers looking to move from picture books to the next reading level.

Check out the other titles in this series: LA HISTORIA DEL HÉROE DE LOS DERECHOS CIVILES JOHN LEWIS • LA HISTORIA DE LA ESTRELLA DE CINE ANNA MAY WONG

About the Creators

Jen Cullerton Johnson

Jen Cullerton Johnson is a writer, an educator, and an environmentalist with master's degrees in nonfiction writing and curriculum development. She teaches at both the elementary and college levels in Chicago, where she also conducts writing workshops. Johnson can be found online at jencullertonjohnson.com.

Sonia Lynn Sadler
Sonia Lynn Sadler

Sonia Sadler was an illustrator and a fine artist who focused on depicting the cultures, lives, and stories of peoples of African descent. Her book, Seeds of Change, earned her a Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Her unique style drew inspiration from quilts and employed a variety of techniques and mediums--from watercolor to scratchboard. She passed away in September 2013.

Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz
Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz

Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz is a Mexicana/Chicana educator, writer, translator, and activist. She received a Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego, and is a professor at Trinity University. Her translated books with Lee & Low include Semillas de cambio, Jugo fresco,, La prequeña Melba y su gran trombón y Donde las maravillas crecen.

Reviews

  • "Forest ecosystems, how to plant a tree, and the changing role of women in Kenya are among the new sections. . . . Better designed to attract and inform middle-grade readers. These well-crafted, insightful biographies provide a useful historical context for each person's story."

    - Booklist
  • "This book's trim size is meant to appeal to an older audience, and factual sections have been added to provide scientific and historical context. . . . This combination title targets a specific audience of young readers who need information, but whose comprehension will be supported by the format and visual elements."

    - School Library Journal

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781643797571
  • Price $11.95
  • Publication Date Oct 07, 2025
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight N/A
  • Page Count 64
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Science & Nature / Environmental Conservation& Protection
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Places / Africa
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Social Activists
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Animal / Biodiversity / Plant Adaptations, Biography / Memoir, Empathy / Compassion, Environment / Nature, Human Impact On Environment / Environmental Sustainability, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Occupations, Respect / Citizenship, STEM / STEAM, Women's History
  • Languages Spanish
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 9 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 4 - 7