I Am Jane Goodall

Book title: I Am Jane Goodall
Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos
Type of book: One of the ordinary People series of books
Educational, biographical, non-fiction
Dial Books for Young Readers
Copy-Write: 2016
ISBN: 978-0-525-42849-7
38 pages
www.ordinarypeoplechangetheworld.com
Reviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets

Brad Meltzer wrote the story in first person as if told through Jane Goodall. She is person that spent most of her life learning about chimpanzees and African environment. She grew up being heavily influenced by “The Story of Doctor Dolittle”. The book was about a man that could talk to animals. After reading book many times when she was seven years old, she vowed to go to Africa and live among the animals. The book tells how when she was growing up, she had her own nature group called The Alligator Club. This was when she was twelve years old. “I Am Jane Goodall” book explored page of all the animals Jane had as a child.

Jane Goodall wanted a job where she could learn more about animals. But back in her youth the text stated “if you were a girl, people did not think she could become a scientist. Others in society expected girls to become nurses, secretaries or teachers.

Jane was encouraged by her Mother to follow her dream of going to Africa.

When Jane was twenty-three years old, she found way to get to Africa. She was born in London, England. Her dream was shown to come alive in wonderful images drawn by artist. She was in Africa of Doctor Dolittle.

The book explored how Jane met Dr. Louis Leaky, an anthropologist, which means he studied how animals lived, and also a paleontologist, which means he studied fossils and bones.

Jane was first hired as his secretary. She soon impressed him with what she knew about animals. Eventually, Doctor Leaky told Jane about a job studying chimpanzees up close.

Jane got to go to Africa and learn how Chimps live in wild nature, this would give knowledge how our own prehistoric ancestors used to live.

July 16, 1960 – she set foot in what is today Gombe National Park in Tanzania, Africa. She was twenty-six years old. She was in place of forested home of chimpanzees. She learned many insights about wild chimps. She did research not done by any other scientists. Jane learned that chimps could make tools out of twigs. The chimps would hold hands, enjoyed being tickled, kissing, and even patting each other on back to reassure each other.

The core main idea of book is told at end of “I am Jane Goodall Book”. I think in Jane’s words.

In my life, people told me there was a “certain way” to do things.

A “certain” way to study animals.

A “certain way” to behave.

They told me to follow the rules.

Instead, I followed my gut.

In your life, it will be easy to see others are “different” from you.

But there’s so much more to gain if instead you see how alike we all are.

All of us – all living things- share so much.

We all have so many things in common.

When we realize and look out for each other. That’s the most beautiful way to live together.

Brad Meltzer is drawn into each story of series as bonus. I found him in one scene of book.

Jane also founded The Jane Goodall Institute in 1977. Pioneering research on chimpanzee behavior-research that transformed scientific perceptions between humans and animals. Today, the institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. For more information, please visit:

www.janegoodall.org

Jane also had on book front cover: “I really do love this book.” Jane Goodall.

The book concludes with real photos of Jane with Dr. Leakey and also some photos showing her work with chimps. Jane was born on April 3, 1934. Jane was still alive when “I am Jane Goodall” book was published working to protect chimpanzees and the environment. According to Wikipedia Jane is still alive.


Allen Klingelhoets