Back from the Brink: Saving Animals from Extinction

Castaldo vividly chronicles efforts to save seven endangered species: whooping cranes, wolves, bald eagles, Galápagos tortoises, California condors, American alligators, and American bison. For each species, she discusses the reasons for their dwindling populations and the strides being made to assist in their recovery. In the case of the Galápagos tortoises, conservationists were forced to wipe out destructive goats introduced to Isabela Island: “If officials didn’t get rid of the goats, the entire ecosystem would continue to collapse.” Castaldo also describes the triumphant reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park, which led to a rebalancing of that ecosystem. Photographs of the animals in the wild and in protected facilities complement this intimate and optimistic look at humans’ ability to protect the planet’s biodiversity. Ages 10–12. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Agency. (Apr.)