
Reach for this book when your child expresses anxiety about the environment or feels overwhelmed by news of climate change and extinction. It serves as a powerful antidote to 'eco-anxiety' by providing a concrete, successful example of how human intervention and scientific dedication can bring a species back from the very brink of disappearance. Sy Montgomery takes readers into the field to meet the biologists and the birds themselves, turning a tragic statistic into a thrilling story of hope. While the subject is serious, the focus is on resilience, teamwork, and the remarkable bond between humans and the natural world. It is a sophisticated, visually stunning choice for middle-schoolers who are ready to engage with real-world conservation challenges through a lens of optimism and active problem-solving.




















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Sign in to write a reviewDescriptions of biologists climbing cliffs and handling large, powerful birds.
The book deals directly with the threat of extinction and the deaths of individual birds due to lead poisoning and habitat loss. The approach is secular and scientific, focusing on biological facts and environmental data. The resolution is realistic but profoundly hopeful, emphasizing that while the species is still 'intensive care,' they are surviving.
A 12-year-old who loves animals but is starting to feel cynical about the future of the planet. This child needs to see that 'adults are working on it' and that science is a tool for rescue, not just observation.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the concept of lead poisoning from ammunition, as this is a central, recurring threat in the book that may lead to questions about hunting and environmental policy. A child might ask, 'Why would people let this happen?' or 'Is it too late to save the animals?' after hearing about endangered species in school.
Younger readers (10) will be captivated by the 'superpowers' of the birds (their size and lifespan) and the cool gadgets scientists use. Older readers (14) will better grasp the complex ethics of captive breeding and the long-term commitment required for conservation.
Unlike many dry textbooks on extinction, Sy Montgomery's 'Scientists in the Field' series provides an intimate, 'you are there' perspective that humanizes the researchers and gives the animals distinct personalities.
The book chronicles the history and near-extinction of the California condor, specifically focusing on the intense conservation efforts from the 1980s to the present. It follows scientists as they monitor nests, treat lead poisoning, and manage captive breeding programs to reintroduce these massive birds to the wild.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.