3 stars
Another good nonfiction read in the I Survived series. This one follows different animals in their quest for survival and the humans who helped them along the way. Great for those interested in learning about animals.
It should be read with the knowledge that not all the stories are entirely happy. They each have a relatively nice ending, but there are also those who don’t survive. In general, the stories are presented positively but do not hide the more violent and deadly aspects of animals living in the wild.
Follow Cher Ami, the carrier pigeon flying through WWI warfare to make her way home, Nica and Blue Fields, dolphins captured for a swim-with-the-dolphins program then abandoned in a dirty tank and their journey back to the sea, the rescue efforts to save thousands of African penguins after an oil spill, and Toki and Sambu, two orphaned cheetahs learning to live in the wild with the help of their human teachers.
Each section begins by telling the story of the animals and the dangers they faced, then gives more information about the animals involved as well as additional sections about similar animals and related historical information.
At the end are a few ways kids can help wildlife and protect the planet as well as helpful organizations and a list of additional readings.
Overall, a nice blending of animals and history. A good progression from historical fiction into nonfiction for fans of I Survived.