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heidisreads's review
4.0
Rescue at Lake Wild by Terry Lynn Johnson is an absolutely adorable animal adventure story! Young middle grade readers will love this story about animals, the environment and the kids who want to protect them.
sara_hudson's review
4.0
This book does several things well. It focuses on the young protagonists, keeping adults in the background. The big sister makes a couple of appearances, but the book is firmly centered in Madi, Aaron, and Jack. And, it does a nice job with the boy/girl friendship dynamic. It teaches about beavers, their habits and habitats without being preachy...most of the time. It highlights the fun of spending the summer outside with lakes and marshes, ATVs and boats, and good friends - with minimal screens. And, it does it all in 181 pages.
There are a few small shortcomings, and all seem to come from that wonderful page count, so they are a price I am willing to pay for a rich story that isn't a 400 page tome.
1. The opening sequence of Madi rescuing the beaver kids is necessary for the plot, but SUCH a terrible idea. Kids do dumb stuff in books all the time - it is a great way to set up conflict. But, to put this at the very beginning before we know Madi felt off.
2. The boys are a little flat - one hates to be dirty and one blurts out stuff at adults without any filter. We don't get much more than that. They each have family backstories that are lightly touched on, but not really fleshed out. The dog feels more fully drawn in some places.
3. And there are times when the pacing feels pulled rather than unfolded.
But, overall, a great story filled with interesting information told in a brisk fashion. Just what middle grade needs!
There are a few small shortcomings, and all seem to come from that wonderful page count, so they are a price I am willing to pay for a rich story that isn't a 400 page tome.
1. The opening sequence of Madi rescuing the beaver kids is necessary for the plot, but SUCH a terrible idea. Kids do dumb stuff in books all the time - it is a great way to set up conflict. But, to put this at the very beginning before we know Madi felt off.
2. The boys are a little flat - one hates to be dirty and one blurts out stuff at adults without any filter. We don't get much more than that. They each have family backstories that are lightly touched on, but not really fleshed out. The dog feels more fully drawn in some places.
3. And there are times when the pacing feels pulled rather than unfolded.
But, overall, a great story filled with interesting information told in a brisk fashion. Just what middle grade needs!
kelleemoye's review
5.0
This book is everything the summary promises and more. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. It was so interesting learning about beavers and conservation, but also watching Madi and her friends figure out the solution to a problem that adults automatically went to the extreme about.
Kids are going to love Madi and her friends. Their banter is so funny yet right on point for their age. I also love seeing how close they are even as they grow up and change.
In addition to the main story about the beaver rescue, Madi’s family situation will bring about good conversation about different types of families.
But truly, the real stars of this book are the beavers. I never knew as much about them as I do now, and they are such interesting animals. This book definitely led to inquiry as I wanted to learn so much more about environmental conservation and beavers.
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=22733
Kids are going to love Madi and her friends. Their banter is so funny yet right on point for their age. I also love seeing how close they are even as they grow up and change.
In addition to the main story about the beaver rescue, Madi’s family situation will bring about good conversation about different types of families.
But truly, the real stars of this book are the beavers. I never knew as much about them as I do now, and they are such interesting animals. This book definitely led to inquiry as I wanted to learn so much more about environmental conservation and beavers.
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=22733
miszjeanie's review
5.0
Rescue at Lake Wild is a sweet, entertaining, and informative book about rescuing animals, caring for beavers, and advocating for the environment. Animal-loving kids will gobble this short book up in no time. With a likable protagonist and a funny group of friends who love nature and the outdoors, this book will be a perfect summer companion! I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more of Johnson’s books.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
lmstraubie's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
womanon's review
4.0
This was such a wonderful tale, that had one of my favourite topics: the bonds humans can have with animals. Madi was such a fierce and strong character with a golden heart, it warmed my own to see how determined she was to save the little beavers! Can highly recommend this book!
mlangman's review
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lauriehnatiuk's review
4.0
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an eARC edition of this book.
Canadian author Terry Lynn Johnson has written a younger middle-grade novel appealing to readers curious about animal rescues. Madi wants to be like her recently deceased Nana and become a wildlife rehabilitator. Her parents, however, have told her point-blank - no more rescues. When Madi and her two best friends Aaron and Jack, discover two orphaned beaver kits, she knows they are their only chance for survival. Now they have to learn how to care for them without their parents finding out, and they need to figure out who is killing the beavers.
Canadian author Terry Lynn Johnson has written a plot-driven story interspersed with tidbits of humour and incidents that this age group will laugh about, get a bit grossed-out (think leeches and bloodsuckers) and gain a greater appreciation of beavers. When finished with the book, readers will have a deeper understanding of beavers, their engineering skills and how they can change habitats. That is not to say we do not get to know Madi, Aaron and Jack. The three are friends who look out for one another and yet bicker amongst themselves and demand time for their own passions that comes across naturally and not forced. Each character has a unique family situation that they are working through and is relevant to this intended audience.
In the Author's Note, Ms. Johnson includes the stories of inspirations for the book, including sources she used to write, and readers should take the time to read this as it is both interesting and informative. Readers need to be critical thinkers and be aware of what is factual and what is not. The author's note lets readers understand the author's desire to have accurate and current information for their audience, and for this reviewer appreciated.
This novel would be suitable for a wide range of readers. It would make a captivating read-aloud for students as young as eight but can see students as old as eleven and twelve enjoying this book. The shorter length will be more enticing for many and may also act as a bridge for students wanting to get into a longer novel. I sincerely hope that we will see this as a series.
Canadian author Terry Lynn Johnson has written a younger middle-grade novel appealing to readers curious about animal rescues. Madi wants to be like her recently deceased Nana and become a wildlife rehabilitator. Her parents, however, have told her point-blank - no more rescues. When Madi and her two best friends Aaron and Jack, discover two orphaned beaver kits, she knows they are their only chance for survival. Now they have to learn how to care for them without their parents finding out, and they need to figure out who is killing the beavers.
Canadian author Terry Lynn Johnson has written a plot-driven story interspersed with tidbits of humour and incidents that this age group will laugh about, get a bit grossed-out (think leeches and bloodsuckers) and gain a greater appreciation of beavers. When finished with the book, readers will have a deeper understanding of beavers, their engineering skills and how they can change habitats. That is not to say we do not get to know Madi, Aaron and Jack. The three are friends who look out for one another and yet bicker amongst themselves and demand time for their own passions that comes across naturally and not forced. Each character has a unique family situation that they are working through and is relevant to this intended audience.
In the Author's Note, Ms. Johnson includes the stories of inspirations for the book, including sources she used to write, and readers should take the time to read this as it is both interesting and informative. Readers need to be critical thinkers and be aware of what is factual and what is not. The author's note lets readers understand the author's desire to have accurate and current information for their audience, and for this reviewer appreciated.
This novel would be suitable for a wide range of readers. It would make a captivating read-aloud for students as young as eight but can see students as old as eleven and twelve enjoying this book. The shorter length will be more enticing for many and may also act as a bridge for students wanting to get into a longer novel. I sincerely hope that we will see this as a series.
ljrinaldi's review
4.0
This is a very quick middle school book about beavers being killed in the wild, and Madi trying to both solve who is doin the killing, as well as make sure that the kits (the baby beavers), are kept alive. She is not supposed to be rehabilitating them, but she knows how to do it, having learned it from her grandmother.
The author said that she was inspired to write this story after hearing stories of beavers, and what they were like. She also interviewed rehabilitation experts, on what the best thing to do for kits would be. It is both a mystery, as well as a book on beavers, and all things related to them.
Good way to get kids interested in nature, and being out in it.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest reivew.
The author said that she was inspired to write this story after hearing stories of beavers, and what they were like. She also interviewed rehabilitation experts, on what the best thing to do for kits would be. It is both a mystery, as well as a book on beavers, and all things related to them.
Good way to get kids interested in nature, and being out in it.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest reivew.