About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses a deep fascination with animals and starts asking complex questions about how the natural world is managed. It is perfect for the pre-teen who has moved past simple picture books about ponies and is ready to explore the intersection of wildlife conservation, biology, and ethics. This narrative nonfiction title follows Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick and his team as they use scientific methods to protect the wild horses of Assateague Island without resorting to captivity. The book highlights themes of scientific curiosity, environmental stewardship, and the persistence required to solve real-world problems. It is highly appropriate for ages 10 to 14, offering a sophisticated look at STEM careers in action. Parents will appreciate how it treats children as capable of understanding ecological nuances, such as the delicate balance between a growing animal population and a fragile habitat.
