Title: "Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa"

Author: Jeanette Winter

Plot Summary: The book tells the true story of Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan woman who dedicated her life to environmental conservation and women's empowerment. As a child, Wangari helps her family farm and collect wood from the forest. She excels in school and wins a scholarship to study in the United States. After six years abroad, Wangari returns to her village in Kenya to find that all the trees have been logged, leaving the land barren and dry.

Determined to restore her community's natural beauty, Wangari begins by planting nine seedlings in her backyard. She then establishes a small nursery and distributes seedlings to other women in her village, encouraging them to plant trees as well. Despite facing ridicule and opposition from government officials, Wangari continues her work, paying the women who tend to their trees a small amount of money every three months.

Her efforts eventually inspire a tree-planting movement across Africa. Wangari's determination and perseverance lead to her imprisonment by the government, but she remains undeterred. The book highlights her courage and the impact of her actions, showing how small initiatives can lead to significant changes.

Key Themes:

1. Environmental Conservation: The book emphasizes the importance of preserving natural resources and restoring ecosystems.
2. Women's Empowerment: Wangari's story showcases the role of women in leading social and environmental movements.
3. Perseverance and Courage: Despite facing ridicule and imprisonment, Wangari continues to fight for her cause.
4. Community Involvement: The book illustrates how community-based initiatives can lead to widespread change.

Critical Reception:

• Educational Value: The book is highly praised for its educational value, particularly in teaching children about environmental conservation and advocacy.
• Inspiring Story: Reviewers have noted that the story is inspiring and demonstrates how small actions can make a significant difference.
• Cross-Cultural Significance: The book is appreciated for its cross-cultural significance, highlighting the importance of preserving natural resources and empowering women in different parts of the world.

Discussion Questions: The book includes several discussion questions that encourage readers to think critically about environmental issues, gender roles, and community involvement. These questions cover topics such as why trees are cut down, who is responsible for taking care of the land, and why Wangari was imprisoned for her efforts.

Overall, "Wangari's Trees of Peace" is a powerful and inspiring biography that highlights the impact one person can have on their community and the environment.