About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with feelings of powerlessness in an adult world or struggling to maintain their integrity in a competitive environment. It is an ideal choice for the teen who feels a deep, perhaps even solitary, connection to animals and nature, or for those who are starting to question the ethics of how humans treat the world around them. Set in a gritty, post-nuclear Sydney, the story follows Ben, a boy with the telepathic ability to communicate with animals, as he navigates the dangerous power struggles inside Taronga Zoo. The book explores heavy themes of survival, the corruption of power, and the ethical dilemma of using one's gifts for good versus being exploited by others. While the setting is bleak and dystopian, Ben's unwavering empathy for the zoo's predators provides a powerful anchor of hope. It is best suited for readers aged 12 and up who are ready for a serious, realistic look at the consequences of human conflict and the resilience of the natural world. Parents will appreciate the way it encourages young readers to consider the weight of their choices and the importance of finding their own moral compass.
