The New York Times Book Review
Sometimes during an act of heroism, it's the savior who ends up being saved. Such is the case in Eliot Schrefer's dazzling, big-hearted novel Endangered…As riveting as the action is, it's the nuanced portraits of the characters, human and ape, that make the story so deeply affecting.
—Vicki Constantine Croke
The Washington Post
Eliot Schrefer grounds this taut, heart-wrenching tale in details gleaned from his work on a similar sanctuary and paints vivid portraits of intelligent, peaceful primates…
—Mary Quattlebaum
Publishers Weekly
Schrefer (The Deadly Sister) shines a light on an oft-overlooked part of the world with this intense adventure set in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. When Sophie, a half-American, half-Congolese 14-year-old, visits her mother at a bonobo sanctuary, her biracial origins make her feel out of place, but she finds purpose by bonding with and caring for Otto, an abused juvenile bonobo. Civil war breaks out while Sophie’s mother is away, and Sophie is inadvertently trapped in a country beset by starvation, roving bands of killers, and natural hazards. To stay alive, Sophie and Otto live off the land, travel in secret, and coexist with other bonobos, while seeking escape or refuge from the chaos. Schrefer spares no detail, fully exposing the horrors of war as he chronicles Sophie’s struggle for survival. This drama is clearly written from the heart, smoothly educating readers about the perilous dichotomy of the Congo and the heart-wrenching plight of the endangered bonobo, without sacrificing the intensity of the story. Sophie, meanwhile, demonstrates herself to be tenacious, resourceful, and strong, making decisions that, while not always smart, are driven by compassion. Ages 12–18. Agent: Richard Pine, Inkwell Management. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Praise for ENDANGERED:
A 2012 National Book Award Finalist
Winner of the Green Earth Prize
An ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults choice
“Dazzling, 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 review
“Taut, heart-wrenching.” – THE WASHINGTON POST
“A poignant and moving story.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Praise for THE DEADLY SISTER:
* "Well-drawn characters, realistic dialogue, and suspenseful twists and turns add to the appeal. Teens crave mystery, and this book will suit them just fine." -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review
"The page-turning action and the potent relationship between the two sisters will keep teens' attention right up to the final confession." -- BOOKLIST
Praise for THE SCHOOL FOR DANGEROUS GIRLS:
"Teens might behave dangerously themselves to get their hands on this page-turner.” -- BOOKLIST
“Gripping, violent and terrifying.” -- KIRKUS REVIEWS
