A heartfelt tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, who founded Kenya’s Green Belt Movement to combat deforestation, condenses years of activism into a lyrical narrative focusing on Wangari’s impact on both the lives of women and the Kenyan environment. Author Donna Jo Napoli imagines a series of scenes in which women from across Kenya come to Wangari to share their troubles—too little food, too little firewood, dirty water. “Plant a tree,” Wangari tells each one. She suggests a different tree for each trouble—the mukawa thorns will keep predators from chickens; the mukuyu will filter water to clean streams. And she always concludes each encounter with “ thaya nyumba— Peace my people.” Kadir Nelson’s lush illustrations, done with oil paint and printed fabrics, show a greening country and the grace and beauty of those who are bringing it back to life. An afterword and author’s note provide brief, factual information about Maathai as well as sources for this account of her work. (Ages 6–10)

Mama Miti opens with two abbreviated traditional tales that establish the origins of Kenya’s Nobel Peace Prize winner’s life’s work: “Wangari listened to stories the elders told. She learned to love and respect trees and became wise in the tradition of her people.” Napoli’s text differs from previous picture-book biographies of Wangari Maathai because it is situated wholly in Kenya, after Maathai is a mature adult, and focuses entirely on two concepts: plant a tree and “ Thayu nyumba —Peace, my people.” Kadir Nelson’s oil por traits are luminescent. He diversifies his work by creating collage illustrations in an attempt “to capture the spirit and culture of Kenya.” Extensive back matter enriches the reading experience. lmp

NAACP Image Award Nominee

“In a word, stunning.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Through artful prose and beautiful illustrations, Donna Jo Napoli and Kadir Nelson tell the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, known as “Mama Miti,” who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to mobilize and combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation.

Today, more than 30 million trees have been planted throughout Mama Miti’s native Kenya, and in 2004 she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Muta Maathai has changed Kenya tree by tree—and with each page turned, children will realize their own ability to positively impact the future.