What is the summary of the book Endangered written by Eliot Schrefer? Information about the summary, characters, analysis of Endangered.
Endangered
“Endangered” is a young adult novel written by Eliot Schrefer and published in 2012. The book follows the story of a young girl named Sophie who travels to the Congo to visit her mother who works as a primatologist. While there, Sophie encounters a baby bonobo that has been orphaned due to illegal poaching and deforestation. She decides to take care of the bonobo and names him Otto.
As Sophie tries to find a way to reunite Otto with his family, she also learns about the political and social issues that threaten the survival of the bonobo species, such as habitat destruction and the bushmeat trade. Through her experiences, Sophie begins to understand the importance of conservation and the need to protect endangered animals and their habitats.
The central theme of the book is the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. The novel highlights the devastating impact of deforestation and the bushmeat trade on animal populations, and it encourages readers to take action to protect endangered species. The book also explores themes of family, friendship, and cultural differences, as Sophie navigates her relationships with the people and animals around her. “Endangered” was a National Book Award finalist and has been praised for its vivid portrayal of the Congo and its emphasis on the importance of conservation.
Book Summary
“Endangered” by Eliot Schrefer is a young adult novel that explores the themes of conservation, family, and cultural differences. The book follows the story of Sophie, a 14-year-old girl who travels to the Congo to visit her mother who works as a primatologist. Sophie is excited to see her mother again, but she is unprepared for the challenges that await her in the Congo.
As soon as Sophie arrives in the Congo, she encounters a baby bonobo that has been orphaned due to illegal poaching and deforestation. Sophie decides to take care of the bonobo and names him Otto. She quickly becomes attached to Otto and is determined to find a way to reunite him with his family.
Sophie’s attempts to reunite Otto with his family are complicated by the political and social issues that threaten the survival of the bonobo species. Sophie learns about the devastating impact of deforestation on the bonobo’s habitat and the bushmeat trade that is driving the species to the brink of extinction. Sophie also discovers that the political situation in the Congo is unstable, and she must navigate her way through cultural differences and political tensions to try to save Otto and his family.
As Sophie struggles to find a way to save Otto and his family, she also grapples with her own feelings of isolation and homesickness. She misses her father, who is back in the United States, and she feels overwhelmed by the challenges she faces in the Congo. Sophie also begins to form relationships with the people around her, including her mother’s Congolese assistant, Mama YaYa, and a boy named Leon who is part of a local conservation group.
Throughout the novel, the central theme of conservation is emphasized. Sophie learns about the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats, and she is encouraged to take action to help save the bonobos. The book also explores the theme of family, as Sophie navigates her relationship with her mother and misses her father back in the United States. The book addresses cultural differences, as Sophie learns about Congolese culture and tries to understand the political tensions that threaten the country’s stability.
Overall, “Endangered” is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that raises important questions about conservation, culture, and family. The book is well-written and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the Congo’s landscape and wildlife. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the story is emotionally resonant. “Endangered” is a National Book Award finalist and has been praised for its emphasis on conservation and its portrayal of the complexities of life in the Congo.
Characters
“Endangered” by Eliot Schrefer features several key characters:
- Sophie: The 14-year-old protagonist of the novel, Sophie is an American girl who travels to the Congo to visit her mother. She becomes attached to a baby bonobo named Otto and is determined to reunite him with his family. Sophie is brave, resourceful, and compassionate, and she learns a great deal about conservation and cultural differences over the course of the novel.
- Otto: A baby bonobo that Sophie encounters shortly after arriving in the Congo. Otto has been orphaned due to illegal poaching and deforestation, and Sophie decides to take care of him. Otto becomes an important part of Sophie’s life, and she is determined to find a way to reunite him with his family.
- Dr. Mama: Sophie’s mother, who works as a primatologist in the Congo. Dr. Mama is passionate about her work and is deeply committed to conservation efforts in the Congo. She is proud of Sophie’s bravery and resourcefulness, but she is also concerned for her safety.
- Mama YaYa: Dr. Mama’s Congolese assistant, who helps Sophie navigate the cultural differences she encounters in the Congo. Mama YaYa is kind and supportive, and she becomes an important friend and mentor to Sophie.
- Leon: A boy Sophie meets who is part of a local conservation group. Leon is passionate about protecting the bonobos and their habitat, and he helps Sophie with her efforts to reunite Otto with his family.
- Captain Henri: A Congolese soldier who helps Sophie navigate the dangerous political situation in the Congo. Captain Henri is gruff and intimidating, but he ultimately proves to be a trustworthy ally.
Each of these characters plays an important role in the novel, and their interactions help to illuminate the themes of conservation, culture, and family that the book explores.
