“ENDANGERED,” by Eliot Schrefer, Scholastic, Jan. 7, 2014, Paperback, $9.99 (ages 12 and up)
The more books I read, the harder it becomes to really impress me. I think that’s because there are a lot of good books available, and those good books have set a higher standard. “Endangered,” by Eliot Schrefer, surpasses the good label and jumps right to fantastic.
Initially introduced in Oct. 2012, “Endangered” immediately captured the attention of readers of all levels. The book became a National Book Award finalist. I read it for the first time this winter in paperback form. Schrefer’s story takes place in the Congo and follows Sophie, a girl who tries to save a group of endangered bonobos during a violent coup.
There are a number of things that make “Endangered” stand out:
- The writing — Schrefer immediately sets the scene, drawing readers in with elegant pacing and a feel of familiarity, even though the story takes place in a world foreign to most of us.
- The setting — The Congo (the country formerly known as Zaire) is exotic and dangerous. The political unrest in that region is important to acknowledge, especially since it seems to be forgotten in school texts and by the media. It puts things in perspective for readers of all ages and nationalities.
- The characters — I always start a book expecting, or at least hoping for, strong character development. And with Sophie, there definitely is. What I didn’t expect was such strong development on the part of the bonobos. Not only do you really get to know Otto, an infant bonobo that Sophie saves, but other bonobos as well. You truly get a sense of their community and social structure.
I could not put “Endangered” down. I talked about it with my husband and friends, and now, months later, I still find myself thinking about it from time to time. “Endangered” is one of those books that will stick with you for all the right reasons.
Congo is a dangerous place, even for people who are trying to do good.
When Sophie has to visit her mother at her sanctuary for bonobos, she’s not thrilled to be there. Then Otto, an infant bonobo, comes into her life, and for the first time she feels responsible for another creature.
But peace does not last long for Sophie and Otto. When an armed revolution breaks out in the country, the sanctuary is attacked, and the two of them must escape unprepared into the jungle. Caught in the crosshairs of a lethal conflict, they must struggle to keep safe, to eat, and to live.*
*Synopsis provided by Scholastic
Editor’s note: The above post differs from Cracking the Cover’s regular review format. Learn more.
