The Last Panther

Reach for this book when your child starts expressing anxiety about the environment or asking difficult questions about why people hurt nature for profit. In a future where the world is divided between the technologically advanced and those living off the land, eleven year old Kiri must decide where she belongs while trying to save the last panther from extinction. It is a powerful story about finding one's voice against injustice. The narrative balances high stakes adventure with deep emotional questions about empathy, conservation, and the courage it takes to stand up to authority figures, including one's own family. While it deals with a dystopian setting and the threat of extinction, the core message is one of hope and the agency of young people. It is ideally suited for children ages 10 to 12 who are ready for more complex ethical dilemmas and a serious look at our planet's future.