When John was 10, his father brought him a baby orangutan, Raja, from Indonesia. Even when Raja bites off John's finger, John understands that the animal meant no harm, though his parents see the incident differently. As his parents' marriage dissolves, John moves away with his mother, leaving Raja with his dad. Soon John learns that his father can no longer afford to keep a grown orangutan, which has been living neglected in a trailer. Although John's father claims to have worked out a solution, John realizes that Raja is ill-prepared for a life in captivity or in the wild. This latest entry in Schrefer's Ape Quartet is every bit as powerful as the first two, although very different in perspective. The impulse to adopt cute but very wild animals is exposed as a reckless, selfish act. While maintaining the tension of imminent danger, Schrefer keeps the focus on John's extraordinary bond with Raja. Highly recommended for fans of the series, as well as those looking for books like Kenneth Oppel's Half Brother (2010).

Schrefer (Threatened; Endangered) vividly portrays a sibling-like relationship between John and the orangutan John's father brought home from Indonesia. After John's parents' divorce, he moves across the country with his mother while Raja stays behind. The two are dramatically reunited after Raja ends up in a roadside zoo. Schrefer gives readers a complex narrative that brings animal-rights issues to the fore. Reading list.

Gr 6 Up-The third entry in the author's well-received quartet, this work introduces us to Raja, a pet orangutan living in suburbia with John and his parents. John grows up with Raja, and their bond is deep. But as the animal grows older and less cute, the family is forced to stop treating him like a teddy bear come to life. Raja is separated from John, banished to a trailer in the backyard. Eventually, the friends have to live further apart when John's parents separate. When the boy's father decides to send Raja to live at a zoo, John knows he has to say goodbye to Raja. He realizes he can't let Raja be mistreated and abused any longer and decides to smuggle the orangutan back to where he came fromIndonesiano matter what it takes. It's John's responsibility to do what's best for Raja, whatever that may be. Schrefer beautifully shows the humanity we share with all living things and pulls some heartstrings in this tale. Readers will be affected by the narrative and realize that while this work is fiction, stories of mistreated animals in our societies are unfortunately quite real and common. VERDICT This is another well-written and fast-paced story that Endangered and Threatened fans will enjoy. Emily Moore, Camden County Library System, NJ