Parents' Guide to

I Am Jane Goodall: Ordinary People Change the World

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Endearing, lively illustrated bio packs positive messages.

I Am Jane Goodall: Ordinary People Change the World Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos hit a lot of sweet spots in this lively installment of their picture-book series about onetime regular kids who went on to change the world. I Am Jane Goodall's appealing pictures and commentary show little white-haired Jane falling hard for the animal kingdom and overcoming obstacles from sexism (girls weren't supposed to be scientists when she was in school) to lack of money (she worked as a waitress to pay for her first trip to Africa). Once there, she connects with chimps in a big way using respect and patience, and young readers will share her excitement as she discovers the many things people and animals have in common.

Animal-loving kids will find this story especially relatable, but there's a lot to like in the cute illustrations, positive messages, and examples of what's possible if we work together.

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate