Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace

Author: Jen Cullerton Johnson

Illustrator: Sonia Lynn Sadler

Summary

This is the inspiring true story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The book begins by exploring her roots in Kenya, where she learns to nourish and protect the sacred trees in her village, like many that came before her. Inspired by the powerful intersection of science and humanity, the story follows Wangari as she embarks on a journey away from home through academia and environmental activism, all while her community grapples with government changes and the destructive deforestation that threatens the land—an issue she is determined to address.

Wangari faces no shortage of resistance in her fight, both societal and institutional, but her unwavering resolve leads her to confront the very forces that oppose her. As she fights against environmental degradation, she returns home, planting seeds of life—not just in the form of trees, but in the hope she sows through her Green Belt Movement across Africa.

The book beautifully captures Wangari’s strength, determination, and courage, illustrating how she rises from local struggles to challenge powerful institutions, even reaching the halls of government that initially opposed her. Through her story, readers are invited to embrace the power of hope, perseverance, and environmental stewardship—sowing the seeds of change, just as Wangari did, for a better future for our planet.

Review

I absolutely loved this story and would highly recommend it to anyone, whether you’re familiar with Wangari Maathai’s work or have never heard of her before. The book presents Wangari’s incredible journey in a way that is both accessible and inspiring, sharing her story with children in a way that resonates deeply, while never shying away from the very real challenges she faced. The themes of hope, perseverance, and environmental activism are powerful and essential to introduce to young readers, as is the book's thoughtful approach to the various systems of oppression Wangari fought against—colonialism, gender inequality, government corruption, and environmental exploitation. These issues are gently, yet firmly, addressed, encouraging children to understand the importance of actively working to create change in the world.

While the book is a bit longer than a typical picture book, making it best suited for children aged 7 and up, younger children can still enjoy the story. For them, it might be a good idea to read it in parts or simplify the text as you go, allowing them to digest the meaningful content at a comfortable pace.

Sonya Lynn Sadler’s quilted illustration style is a standout feature throughout the book, and it beautifully captures the vibrancy, warmth, and joy of Kenyan culture. The rich colors and patterns add depth to the story and bring Wangari’s journey to life.