Saving Thandi
Despite being protected in a game reserve, rhino ‘Thandi’ is in danger. Zulu teenager, Jabu, had previously forged a friendship with baby Thandi and they were reunited when Jabu visited the reserve. Jabu’s short visit turns into an unexpected adventure.
This book by a New Zealand author has an appealing cover, you get an idea immediately what the book could be about. This is the 2nd book in a series (Book 1 – Trainsurfer). I have not read book 1 and felt that although there were a couple of references to the 1st book, this book was able to stand alone. Set in South Africa, ‘Saving Thandi’ explores the theme of conservation; the plight of rhinos in Africa. A series of exciting events propels the reader forward at a fast pace – an adventure that educates as well. Characters which are culturally and ability diverse are authentic and believable. This book has a feel-good, hopeful tone which I believe would appeal to the middle school age reader and above, who love animals.
Title: Saving Thandi
Author: Kate S Richards (a school librarian based in Auckland)
Publisher: Green Room House
IBSN: 9780473481933
RRP: $24.99
Format: Paperback
Date of publication: June 2019
Suitable age range: 11yrs and over
Reviewer: Suzanne Calder, Library Manager, Greymouth High School, West Coast
Recommendation: Highly Recommend
Opening sentence? “Can you imagine crawling on all fours across the floor of a container of a moving truck, hoping to find food, only to discover ….”
You can buy this book here