Jane Goodall: 5-Minute Genius Stories

By: Heather Alexander, Union Square Kids

Published by Union Square Kids, 2026-01-06

Kids can travel to Tanzania with a young Jane Goodall and study chimpanzees alongside the world's leading expert. Readers discover how Goodall's childhood love for animals leads to a lifetime of studying chimps and advocating for animal rights. After receiving a stuffed chimpanzee from her father, Jane becomes fascinated with observing animals. Years later, she studies wild chimps in the Tanzanian forest. She records previously unknown similarities between humans and chimpanzees that will change the scientific community. Readers can follow along as Jane takes her new-found knowledge to advocate for the well-being of chimps and become a world-renowned animal rights activist. Each book in this collectible series is an exciting combination of the perpetually popular 5 Minute stories format and nonfiction biographies for young readers genres. The series' unique approach, with each book containing ten exciting stand-alone stories in the life of a genius plus bonus informational content on the science, craft, and history behind each story, creates an engaging reading experience for young readers. 5 Minute Genius explores a broad range of noteworthy individuals with STEM appeal for readers ages 6-9, from polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci to artists like Frida Kahlo, to environmentalists like Jane Goodall and athletes like Simone Biles to activists like the Suffragettes.