Temple Grandin

Several people close to Grandin, such as her mother and Mr. Carlock, supported and encouraged her in her youth. Choose one of these figures and discuss their role in Grandin’s life. What did they contribute to her personality or success? How might her life have been different without them?

At times, Grandin thrived in school, and at other times she struggled. Discuss the factors that helped her and the factors which challenged her. What do you think contributes to the most supportive educational environment for someone like Grandin?

Examine some of the pranks Grandin played in her youth, as retold by Montgomery. What led Grandin to play these pranks? How are these pranks related to what she accomplished later in her career?

In Chapter 7, Grandin confesses that “Animals saved me.” What do you think she means by this statement? In what ways did animals change Grandin’s life?

Discuss the symbolism of doors within Temple Grandin and within Grandin’s life. When do (literal or figurative) doors enter within the book? What is their significance at those moments? What do doors symbolize about Grandin’s approach to life?

Track the development of Grandin’s spirit of persistence throughout her life. What factors contributed to this persistence? When Grandin was challenged, how did she grow?

View the HBO film based on Grandin’s life, Temple Grandin (2010). What themes does the film emphasize? What are some key similarities and differences between Montgomery’s book and the HBO film?

Visit one of Grandin’s websites (www.templegrandin.com or www.grandin.com) to find out more about her life and work. Discuss some new information you find. How does it expand on one or more of the themes presented in Montgomery’s book about Grandin? What does this information add to your understanding of Grandin?