Temple Grandin. Finished 6-28-17, rating 4/5 stars, Kids Biography, 148 pages, pub. 2012
When Temple Grandin was born, her parents knew that she was different. Years later she was diagnosed with autism.
While Temple’s doctor recommended a hospital, her mother believed in her. Temple went to school instead.
Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Her world-changing career revolutionized the livestock industry. As an advocate for autism, Temple uses her experience as an example of the unique contributions that autistic people can make.
This compelling biography complete with Temple’s personal photos takes us inside her extraordinary mind and opens the door to a broader understanding of autism. (from Goodreads)
I love Temple. I knew of her before my life in the autism world began, but now, she’s like a rock star. The autism community is so lucky to have her be their spokesperson. I’ve heard her speak in person twice, both different and inspirational. I was looking for some books for Gage and saw this kids biography and picked it up for myself. Over 100 pages with lots of pictures and Temple drawings and it captures her personality perfectly.
The book tells of her upbringing from the horror of her father’s distaste to the unwavering loved of her mother. It shows the difficulty she had in school after elementary school, but also the friends she made and still has. It showed that she was a workhorse, holding a number of jobs and never tiring, even now as she approaches 70.
This was a book that explained how she got to where she is today. She is an autism champion now, but she started by designing cattle shoots. And when she was rebuffed in the male dominated field of cattle she always found a back door and a way to succeed. She is one tough cookie.
Temple does not represent everyone on the autism spectrum, obviously, but I would encourage those of you who don’t have a loved one on the spectrum to read this. Spend an hour and see what parents and grandparents see when they look at their kid. All the possibilities are here and Temple embodies them.
Stacy's Books 
Sounds like a great book. I’ve never heard of Temple, but i always loved Sy Montgomery’s books, so combine the two and I bet this one is great.
I think a lot of people with challenges work harder than everyone else. I think I’d like this book a lot.
This seems like a book that we should all read.
I absolutely loved the HBO movie with Claire Danes. I thought the movie showed her different way of thinking and how she could use that to empathize and solve problems for the animals she loved. I remember a line in that movie about how if we’re going to use these animals for food we should at least make their lives as rewarding and comfortable as possible. This movie really stuck with me and thus Temple Grandin. Amazing human.
She really is. Her energy is so, so positive. She conquers autism everyday and doesn’t let it conquer her. Love her.