Schrefer's Endangered (2012) painted a compassionate portrait of the bonobos of the Congo; here he turns to Gabon, chimpanzees, and the plight of orphans who have lost their parents to AIDS. Luc lives with other young orphan boys under the roof of Monsieur Tatagani, an unscrupulous man who exploits his charges. Professor Abdul Mohammad, a prosperous-looking Arab, meets Luc and hires him as his assistant, taking him deep into the jungle to study chimpanzees. Luc discovers he has an interest and aptitude for the work, and he thrives under Prof's tutelage. All too soon, though, Prof disappears under mysterious circumstances, and Luc must survive on his own. With only Prof's tiny pet vervet for company, Luc watches and learns from the chimps. When humans again appear, it's clear we as a species are far less civilised than the chimps. Of special note is the tender, nonjudgmental portrait of Prof, a closeted gay man who lies about most things, but provides the first caring home Luc has known in years. Schrefer's landscape descriptions are rich and evocative, and his characters, both human and chimpanzee, are complex and fascinating. Grades 8-12. --Debbie Carton
Schrefer's Endangered (2012) painted a compassionate portrait of the bonobos of the Congo; here he turns to Gabon, chimpanzees, and the plight of orphans who have lost their parents to AIDS. Luc lives with other young orphan boys under the roof of Monsieur Tatagani, an unscrupulous man who exploits his charges. Professor Abdul Mohammad, a prosperous-looking Arab, meets Luc and hires him as his assistant, taking him deep into the jungle to study chimpanzees. Luc discovers he has an interest and aptitude for the work, and he thrives under Prof's tutelage. All too soon, though, Prof disappears under mysterious circumstances, and Luc must survive on his own. With only Prof's tiny pet vervet for company, Luc watches and learns from the chimps. When humans again appear, it's clear we as a species are far less civilised than the chimps. Of special note is the tender, nonjudgmental portrait of Prof, a closeted gay man who lies about most things, but provides the first caring home Luc has known in years. Schrefer's landscape descriptions are rich and evocative, and his characters, both human and chimpanzee, are complex and fascinating. Grades 8-12. --Debbie Carton
Eliot Schrefer's Endangered and Threatened were named as finalists for the National Book Award. He is also the author of Rescued, The Deadly Sister, The School for Dangerous Girls, Glamorous Disasters, and The New Kid. He lives in New York City. Visit him online at eliotschrefer.com.
Praise for Threatened: A National Book Award finalist*Engrossing
action and characters readers will keep thinking about in a
splendid survival story. --Kirkus Reviews, starred
review*Gripping...Schrefer pulls no punches as he showcases the
beauty and danger of both urban Gabon and the jungle. --Publishers
Weekly, starred reviewFascinating and sure to lead to discussion.
--School Library JournalSchrefer's compassion and empathy for the
people and chimpanzees and other animals of this part of Africa
come through loud and clear. --Horn BookPraise for Endangered: A
National Book Award finalistDazzling, big-hearted . . . As riveting
as the action is, it's the nuanced portraits of the characters,
human and ape, that make the story so deeply affecting. --The New
York Times Book Review * Schrefer spares no detail . . . This drama
is clearly written from the heart. --Publishers Weekly, starred
reviewTaut, heart-wrenching. --The Washington PostA poignant and
moving story. --School Library Journal
Kirkus Starred Review
The author of Endangered (2012) introduces another primate species,
offering a poignant demonstration of connection between chimpanzees
and humans.When AIDs orphan Luc goes into the Gabon jungle with
professor Abdul Mohammed, a scientist who frees him from his
bondholder and plans to study chimpanzees in the wild, the
resourceful boy finds a surprising new family and makes a real
home. Luc's story is riveting and seldom comfortable, for him or
for his readers. The chimpanzees are aggressive, but they are not
as lethal as the leopard or as personally dangerous as the bushmeat
hunter the professor frightens away or Monsieur Tatagani,
determined to return Luc to his stable of street boys. Drummer, the
young male chimp Luc rescues from a trap, and Mango, his toddler
sister, have personalities as real and appealing as the boy
himself. Luc's first-person narration is so lively and detailed
readers won't notice that he seems remarkably acute for a 12- or
13-year-old, even one who has watched his mother and baby sister
die and lived, afterward, by his own wits. The particulars of his
daily life Inside--where Gabonese believe humans shouldn't go--will
enthrall those who enjoy adventure, and the intimate glimpse of
chimpanzee daily life is a treat for nature lovers.Engrossing
action and characters readers will keep thinking about in a
splendid survival story.
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