Schrefer's Endangered (2012) painted a compassionate portrait of the bonobos of the Congo; here he turns to Gabon, chimpanzees, and the plight of orphans who have lost their parents to AIDS. Luc lives with other young orphan boys under the roof of Monsieur Tatagani, an unscrupulous man who exploits his charges. Professor Abdul Mohammad, a prosperous-looking Arab, meets Luc and hires him as his assistant, taking him deep into the jungle to study chimpanzees. Luc discovers he has an interest and aptitude for the work, and he thrives under Prof's tutelage. All too soon, though, Prof disappears under mysterious circumstances, and Luc must survive on his own. With only Prof's tiny pet vervet for company, Luc watches and learns from the chimps. When humans again appear, it's clear we as a species are far less civilized than the chimps. Of special note is the tender, nonjudgmental portrait of Prof, a closeted gay man who lies about most things, but provides the first caring home Luc has known in years. Schrefer's landscape descriptions are rich and evocative, and his characters, both human and chimpanzee, are complex and fascinating.

Gabonese teen Luc assists the mysterious "Prof," a self-described "world-renowned expert on chimpanzees." Sturdy and determined, Luc becomes an astute chimp observer. Schrefer, in this carefully researched companion to Endangered, gives readers an exciting adventure story while deepening their understanding of primates. The book is filled with sensory detail, and the characters, human and nonhuman alike, are well drawn. Reading list.

Schrefer switches focus from bonobos to chimpanzees in this engrossing, meticulously researched, and gripping tale of survival in the deep wilds of Gabon, a thematic follow-up to 2012-s Endangered. Luc, a 13-year-old orphan and debt slave, is hired by Prof, who wants to become the first African -janegoodall,- and the two venture into the jungle to study the chimpanzees that dwell within. When tragedy strikes, Luc is left alone, forced to survive by any means necessary. Forging a tentative truce with a small family of chimpanzees, he ekes out a desperate though increasingly satisfying existence. As man and -mock man- grow to understand one another, they take on all manner of threats, including human hunters, animal predators, and even another chimpanzee tribe. Schrefer-s passion for the material and empathy for the characters shows on every page, and his non-human subjects are every bit as complex and fascinating as narrator Luc. The setting comes fully to life, and Schrefer pulls no punches as he showcases the beauty and danger of both urban Gabon and the jungle. Ages 12-up. Agent: Richard Pine, InkWell Management. (Mar.)

Gr 7 Up-After the death of his mother and sister, Luc is left in the hands of a moneylender, Monsieur Tatagani. One of many orphans forced to do Tatagani's bidding, Luc has found a way to be useful and earn a few coins wiping glasses in a bar in Gabon. One night a man shows up with a monkey and a silver attach&3; case, claiming to be a researcher sent by the National Geographic Society to study the chimpanzees in the interior. The mysterious man, called "the Prof," offers Luc a job as his helper. From this modest beginning comes a tale of survival and discovery for both humans and chimps. There are no easy answers here, but deep themes are explored. The plight of the endangered chimps is brought to the attention of readers, as are the challenges of socioeconomic status and geographic realities of Gabon. There are times when Luc's voice as an uneducated orphan adolescent seems vivid and real, at other times less so. Still, the valor and soul of Luc is captivating. Fascinating and sure to lead to discussion. Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

Street urchin Luc's life takes a dramatic turn when a professor convinces him to accompany him into the jungles of Gabon, Africa, while he studies chimpanzees. Living deep in the wild, Luc finds himself developing a strong bond with both the professor and the chimpanzees. When the harsh conditions result in the professor's death, Luc finds himself all alone but still dedicated to finishing their work. Establishing himself as part of the chimp's group, Luc observes and protects them. Content with his new life, his loyalties are divided when a photographer arrives, but Luc's love for his new family helps him realize where home really is.Schrefer's newest novel, which is thematically connected to his previous work Endangered (Scholastic, 2012/VOYA December 2012), demonstrates why he was a National Book Award finalist. His use of detail and extensive figurative language brings the exotic environment to life with vivid realism. A plot packed with action and suspense makes this novel stand alongside other great survival adventures, including those by Paulsen, London, and O'Dell. Schrefer's real skill is evident in the way he humanizes the animal characters just enough to bring them to life while not overdoing it so as to make them more man than beast. Touching on a strong ecological message that is woven expertly into the fabric of the novel, this work is crafted in a way that is sure to bring it accolades from teen readers and the professionals who work with them.Rachel Wadham.