Condor Comeback - (Scientists in the Field (Paperback)) by Sy Montgomery (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Winner of the Green Earth Book Award

Sibert Medalist, National Book Award Honoree, and New York Times bestselling author Sy Montgomery turns her formidable talents to the story of California condors and the scientists who have fought against their extinction in this installment in the award-winning Scientists in the Field series.

In April of 1987 the last wild California condor was captured and taken to live in captivity like the other twenty-six remaining birds of its kind. Many thought that the days were over of of this remarkable, distinguished bird that had roamed the skies of North and Central American for thousands of years.

Sy Montgomery employs her skill for on-the-ground reporting, shrewd observation, and stunning narrative prose to detail the efforts of scientists, volunteers, and everyday citizens to get California condors back in the wild. In particular, Montgomery profiles employees at the Santa Barbara Zoo who have worked tirelessly to raise abandoned chicks, nurse sick birds back to health, and conduct research that can support legislation to ban what is probably the largest threat to the existence of the wild condor: lead bullets. In turns affectionate and frustrated, hopeful and heartbreaking, Montgomery's powerful prose does justice to these ancient, sociable, and elegant creatures.

Complete with world-class, full-color photography and helpful sidebars that provide details such as the history of the bird's fight back from extinction, the dangers of lead poisoning, and the relationship of condors to the Chumash nation, Condor Comeback is an inspiring story of groundbreaking science, perseverance, and cooperation.

This riveting work of narrative nonfiction for young readers explores:

• Wildlife Restoration in Action: Follow the dramatic race against time, from the capture of the last wild condor in 1987 to the painstaking efforts to breed them in captivity and return them to the skies.
• Science in the Field: Join Sibert Medalist Sy Montgomery on the ground with the biologists, zookeepers, and volunteers working tirelessly to save this magnificent endangered species.
• An Environmental Detective Story: Uncover the primary threat to the condor's survival--and the cutting-edge science used to prove the case against lead ammunition.
• Culture and Conservation: Learn about the sacred, thirteen-thousand-year relationship between the condor and the Chumash people, who see the great bird as a spirit helper.
• Award-Winning Nonfiction for Kids: Featuring stunning, full-color photography and informative sidebars that bring the science and the story to life for young readers.

Review Quotes

"Hopeful news in the natural world." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A captivating introduction to the California condor." - Booklist (starred review)

"Alongside Strombeck's crisp photographs, Montgomery details the realities of their work--from thrilling moments such as spotting a baby chick to long observation sessions where not much happens--and has a knack for evocative descriptions. Though the condor's future remains tenuous, Montgomery's compelling page-turner inspires optimism." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Like many of Montgomery's nonfiction titles in the series, this recent entry does an excellent job of incorporating facts and narrative information about an animal not typically covered in stand-alone titles. The engaging call-to-action message is paired with gorgeous photographs that immerse readers in the condors' world." - School Library Journal

"A story of unusual triumph for a species so close to extinction....with vivid images that range from the comic to the majestic. Youngsters will be galvanized by the possibilities of this kind of scientific work and keen to find ways to join in." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

"Not only entertaining but will also likely impress the whole science class." - Shelf Awareness