Hello Gemmies! I have a new book review to share with you today. Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue by Melissa Cristina Marquez is a middle grade environmental action adventure and the first book in the Wild Survival series. This series is based on marine biologist Melissa Cristina Marquez's real-life wildlife encounters and is appropriate for grade levels 3-7.
We follow a Latinx family of conservationists, the Villalobos as they travel around the world rescuing animals and nursing them back to health at the Sacred Sanctuary and Zoological Park. In this first story our family of four travels to Cuba to rescue an injured crocodile. The trip is also being filmed as a pilot for a new network show. The locations and story are well written. You can feel Melissa Cristina Marquez's expertise and passion on every page. The locations, equipment, and animal descriptions are very thorough. Eight year old science loving me would have adored this book! Trigger warning there is an animal attack depicted in the story. It is well done but may be intense for younger readers.
Each character in Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue is well thought out, relatable, and realistic. Twelve year old Adrianna is our main protagonist. Adrianna is high spirited, smart, and eager to prove herself. The story is told from her perspective, and we get to experience each location and the magic of discovering animals in the wild with her bubbly enthusiasm. There are also plenty of real wildlife facts sprinkled in that enhance the story. You will lean about crocodiles, flamingo tongue snails, hutia's, Cuban tree frogs and more! There is plenty of action, intrigue, and science facts to keep readers both young and old entertained. If you like heart warming family adventures, animal rescue, environmental science, travel, and fun facts then this book is for you!
Published by Scholastic Paperback, Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue, is available for purchase from all major booksellers. I give Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue 4 out of 5 gems! I can't wait to read the next book in this fun series. Happy Reading!
