Back from the Brink: Saving Animals from Extinction

Castaldo vividly chronicles efforts to save seven endangered species: whooping cranes, wolves, bald eagles, Galapagos tortoises, California condors, American alligators, and American bison. For each species, she discusses the reasons for their dwindling populations and the strides being made to assist in their recovery. In the case of the Galapagos tortoises, conservationists were forced to wipe out destructive goats introduced to Isabela Island: "If officials didn't get rid of the goats, the entire ecosystem would continue to collapse." Castaldo also describes the triumphant reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park, which led to a rebalancing of that ecosystem. Photographs of the animals in the wild and in protected facilities complement this intimate and optimistic look at humans' ability to protect the planet's biodiversity. Ages 10-12. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Agency. (Apr.)

Gr 5-7--Even in the midst of what Castaldo (and many scientists) dub the "sixth great era of mass extinction," there have been successful efforts to salvage endangered species. Here she profiles seven such initiatives--all animals and all North American, except for the Galapagos tortoises--with quick side glances at several other examples. Some of her selected species, such as the whooping crane (at one time 16 were left in the wild) and the California condor (five, including just one female), really did come close to the titular "brink" and still aren't that far away from it. Others have recovered in great numbers. For instance, the Yellowstone bison herd needed to be reduced in 2017, an event the author refers to as a "Mass Bison Slaughter." Along with brief introductions to condor "nest technicians" and other wildlife workers, the author points out ongoing dangers to animal populations of all sizes, from lead poisoning to "microtrash," and offers shout-outs to such "Eco-Heroes" of the past as Rachel Carson and Richard Nixon. She closes with generalized action notes for young eco-activists and extensive lists of organizations, sites, and information sources. VERDICT Though the "success stories" here are told elsewhere in greater detail, middle school students will find this a topical, timely affirmation that nurturing the planet's biodiversity is not a lost cause. Consider for robust collections.--John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York