(4) 4-6 STEM Trailblazer Bios series. Each volume details the life of a significant person in a STEM-related field. Emphasis is placed on the individual's childhood, education, and development of a specific interest, as well as notable contributions. The prose is stilted but informative, and many photographs are included alongside sidebars of related information and "Tech Talk" quotes by the featured trailblazer. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM Trailblazer Bios titles: Google Cybersecurity Expert Parisa Tabriz, Astronaut and Physicist Sally Ride, Code-Breaker and Mathematician Alan Turing, NASA Astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, Science Educator and Advocate Bill Nye, and Environmental Activist Wangari Maathai.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Aurélia Fronty. Whimsical and enchanting paintings adorn the story of the Kenyan environmentalist's life. Double-page spreads contain elements of surrealism and use shades of green to express lush landscapes and other scenes. The story also discusses the civic turmoil she navigated: "[Wangari] wants to make democracy grow--like trees." Extensive back matter includes photos and quotations from primary sources. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler. This biography of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan scientist and environmentalist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, is informative but overwritten: "Like a sturdy tree against a mighty wind, her faith kept her strong." The oil and scratchboard illustrations call to mind stained glass, with panes of color separated by white lines. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This picture book celebrates Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize–winner Wangari Maathai who, by encouraging women to plant trees, also gave them a way to improve their lives. Napoli's text is spare but powerful (e.g., "Kenya was strong once more, strong and peaceful"), and Nelson's collage illustrations have the pleasing beauty of a well-made quilt. Back matter supplies information about Maathai's Green Belt Movement. Websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(2) K-3 After five years away from Kenya, Maathai returns to a despoiled homeland. She rallies women to plant trees, and the movement spreads. Maathai's words, deftly inserted, help explain her achievement. Nivola's writing, in turn, has the simple eloquence of a traditional tale, and her absorbing images--sweeping views of the countryside with miniature human figures--are reminiscent of folk paintings. Bib.

Reviewer: Barbara Bader | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2008

(3) K-3 This picture book biography celebrates Wangari Maathai, Nobel Prize–winning environmentalist and founder of Kenya's Green Belt Movement. Winter's lyrical main text gives readers a sense of the woman ("Wangari lives under an umbrella of green trees..."); an appended author's note is more factual. The accompanying brightly patterned and cleanly composed acrylic illustrations beautifully display Maathai's spirit and determination.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot