Forest Fighter: The Story of Chico Mendes

Ganeri inspires with this empathic biography of activist Chico Mendes (1944–1988) and his fight to save the Amazon rainforest. Opening with a scene from a triumphant protest organized by Mendes, the book otherwise takes a chronological approach, tracing his earliest years in western Brazil, tapping rubber trees alongside family, and, eventually, his assassination after persuading the Brazilian government to create the nation’s first extractive reserve. Seamlessly woven throughout is essential context about the challenges and exploitation experienced by rubber tappers, the economic and environmental pressures causing ranching-related deforestation, and the pivotal impact of Mendes’s work. Ganeri’s fact-filled narration is balanced by evocative details that paint Mendes as a “softly spoken” leader and “a good listener,” while Carpentier’s tropical-hued digital illustrations incorporate chalk textures, helping readers to visualize the Amazon’s destruction and the activist community Mendes created. Back matter includes rainforest facts, a glossary, and an index. Ages 7–12. (Mar.)