The Last Leopard (The White Giraffe Series)
Grade 4–7—In this third book about Martine and her amazing gift for healing animals, the 11-year-old, her grandmother, and her friend Ben leave their South African home for Zimbabwe. They are going to help her grandmother's friend, who has had an accident, but the trip turns into much more. A giant leopard said to be in hiding in the hills near the ranch where they are staying desperately needs Martine's help. Many legends surround the creature, and the place of his death is ostensibly where a long-hidden treasure will be found. Because of this, many are determined to hunt the animal down. Through Martine's eyes, readers discover many issues plaguing modern Zimbabwe, from police corruption to animal poaching and the opportunism and tourism that threaten the traditional way of life. This fast-paced adventure story, inspired by an actual leopard now in a game preserve in Zimbabwe, includes elements that will appeal to a broad audience. Although having readThe White Giraffe(2007) andDolphin Song(2008, both Dial) gives fuller insight into Martine's story, St. John does a good job of catching readers up on the past without retelling those plots. Considering that the movie version ofThe White Giraffeis due out this year, there is sure to be particular interest in this series.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.