Illustrated and simplified for a younger audience, this book is the life story of Wangari Maathai, an environmental activist who started with nothing in a poor Kenyan village, went to college in America, and returned to Kenya to create a nationwide movement planting trees, hold a position in Parliament, and become the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Children will gain a better understanding of the poverty faced by some cultures when they read about Wangari's childhood; for example, her excitement to study in a one-room mud hut. Some may relate to her struggles with the culture shock of moving to a metropolitan city after growing up in a tiny, rural community. Moms will love the recurring themes of female empowerment throughout, and youth of all ages will be inspired by the story of one girl who changed an entire nation. For ages nine to twelve.