
Reach for this book when your child expresses a deep fascination with the natural world but feels discouraged by the slow pace of school science or the daunting reality of climate change. It is an ideal choice for the tween who wants to see exactly how passion translates into a professional calling. The narrative follows scientist Patricia Medici and her team into the Brazilian Pantanal, showcasing the grit and patience required to track the elusive tapir. By focusing on the 'boots on the ground' reality of conservation, the book highlights emotional themes of resilience, the beauty of the unknown, and the power of collaborative problem solving. It provides a rare, authentic look at a female scientist leading a high stakes mission, making it a perfect match for middle schoolers seeking both a mentor figure and a sense of agency in protecting the planet.





















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Sign in to write a reviewDiscussion of habitat loss and the threat of extinction for the species.
The book deals with the threat of extinction and environmental loss in a direct, secular, and realistic manner. While it acknowledges the dangers tapirs face from habitat loss and hunting, the resolution is hopeful, focusing on the active work being done to prevent their disappearance.
A 12-year-old who loves nature documentaries but wants to see the 'behind the scenes' reality. This child likely enjoys collecting specimens or observing local wildlife and needs to see that science is an adventurous, active career path.
The book can be read cold. Parents may want to look at the photos of the animals being handled (sedated for collaring) to explain the ethics of field research. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'Science is boring' or 'What is the point of learning this?' It is an antidote to the dry presentation of facts.
Younger readers (10) will be captivated by the 'treasure hunt' aspect of finding the tapirs and the stunning photography. Older readers (14) will better appreciate the career path of Dr. Medici and the complex ecological data presented.
Unlike many animal books that focus solely on biology, this one focuses on the scientist's life. It highlights the human element: the sweat, the mosquitoes, the missed sleep, and the sheer joy of discovery.
The book follows author Sy Montgomery and photographer Nic Bishop as they join Dr. Patricia Medici, a world leading expert on the lowland tapir, in Brazil's Pantanal. The narrative documents the team's efforts to capture, collar, and track these shy, nocturnal mammals. It blends scientific data with personal anecdotes from the field, illustrating the physical and intellectual challenges of wildlife biology.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.