Rescued 12+

About this book

Two-time National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer introduces us to an orangutan held captive in suburban America.

John grows up with everything he could possibly want, his father a businessman who travels far and wide. One day, he comes home with a rare gift for his son, a baby orangutan, and the two become inseparable friends. But as the orangutan gets older, stronger, less cute, the family relegates the animal to a locked trailer in the backyard. Until John’s father finally decides to sell the ape to a roadside zoo. Coming to the defense of his childhood friend, John resolves to smuggle the orangutan back to Indonesia, and the two set out on a journey far more dangerous than John bargained for.

Reviews

Praise for Threatened:

A National Book Award finalist

*"Engrossing action and characters readers will keep thinking about in a splendid survival story." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"Gripping...Schrefer pulls no punches as he showcases the beauty and danger of both urban Gabon and the jungle." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Fascinating and sure to lead to discussion." -- School Library Journal

"Schrefer's compassion and empathy for the people and chimpanzees and other animals of this part of Africa come through loud and clear." -- Horn Book

Praise for Endangered:

A National Book Award finalist

"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