Buddy Based on the True Story of Gertrude Lintz

A parent might reach for this book when a child is struggling with the idea that love sometimes means letting go. This true story follows Gertrude "Trudy" Lintz, a wealthy woman who raises a baby gorilla named Buddy as her own son in her Brooklyn home. As Buddy grows from a tiny infant into a massive, powerful gorilla, Trudy must confront the difficult reality that her home is not the right place for him. The book gently explores themes of unconditional love, responsibility, and the profound sadness of saying goodbye. For early elementary readers, it’s a beautiful, accessible biography that opens conversations about the needs of wild animals and the sacrifices we make for those we love.