Everyone knows that twelve-year-old Madison “Madi” Lewis is not allowed to bring home any more animals. After she’s saved hairless mice, two birds, a rabbit, and a stray tom cat that ended up destroying the front porch, Madi’s parents decide that if they find one more stray animal in the house, she won’t be allowed to meet Jane Goodall at an upcoming gala event.
But when Madi and her two best friends, Aaron and Jack, rescue beaver kits whose mother was killed, they find themselves at the center of a local conspiracy that’s putting the beavers and their habitats in danger. As Madi and her friends race to uncover the threat targeting the beavers, Madi must put her animal whisperer skills to the test in both raising the orphaned beaver kits and staying out of trouble long enough.
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MY TAKE: I can sympathize with Madi and her animal whispering ways. At about the same age I found a duckling alone on the street. No other ducks in sight. Next thing you know “Sydney” was in my bedroom closet happily exploring the tray of water. Took Mom about a half day to discover what I’d done. Beaver kits though are a much bigger challenge.
Madi narrates the tale and the journey along with her two friends is an enjoyable one to follow. The thirty chapters are short and the 208 pages move along at a quick pace. Readers will learn about the habitats and behaviors of beavers. When adults don’t seem to understand or care about the town’s poaching problem, these three kids stand up for the beavers and investigate who is behind the atrocious act.
Animal lovers rejoice. The story combined with Madi’s desire to be like Jane Goodall will win over many readers.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:
RESCUE AT LAKE WILD
1. You’ll long for summer and all the adventures that unfold. Children with goals can do some pretty amazing things.
2. Madi has both parents but they are so busy they don’t have time to find out what she’s up to. A common reality many 12-year-olds will find familiar.
3. The connection Madi had with her late grandmother was the only nudge she needed to follow in her footsteps. A passion often begins with the adults in your life.
4. Don’t miss the after story description of “The Dos Of Rescuing Wildlife.” Great tips and cautions.
5. Be sure to visit the author’s web site where you’ll find downloadable activities and an image of the beautiful full art work of the cover.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Terry Lynn Johnson writes middle grade adventures based on her experiences living in the wilds of northern Ontario, Canada. She might have fallen through ice a time or two, been dragged by a dog team, blown up a wood stove, been attacked by a sloth (slowly), accidentally sprayed a crowd with muskrat glands, and chased a bear with a chainsaw. She owned eighteen sled dogs, and currently works as a Conservation Officer for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Comments can be made below. Check out all the other MMGM blogger’s by clicking here.
Always in the Middle... 
This sounds like a great story and is a little different plot line than some of Terry’s other books. I’ll definitely look for this one at my library.
Thanks for reviewing this. Congratulations to Terry. She is a very good writer and writes some great books. Good to see she has another one out.
Thanks for this great review. I love reading Terry Lynn Johnson’s books and it looks like you do, too. This was so different, but still a page turner.
This was different from Johnson’s other works, but I really liked it. I bet your mom was SO thrilled that you had a duckling in your closet! That made me smile.
Look forward to reading Johnson’s later MG novel. It sounds like the perfect spring time and summer read. I remember rescuing a rabbit and keeping it in a box in our garage, until the neighbor’s cat came visiting. I was heartsick! Many kids will identify with this story.
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I adore your super cute beaver emoji’s!!
I read and loved this author’s dog-sled story and have this one on my Goodreads TBR too.
The author has such a fascinating background—no shortage of material for stories.
I love the cover of this book! And the story sounds adorable too.
I’ve seen so much praise for this book, and it sounds really fun! I remember seeing some of Johnson’s other books, like Dog Driven, making the rounds a while back. I love your story about rescuing a duckling as a kid! Thanks so much for the great post!
Animals? Rescue? Jane Goodall? Sounds like a real winner!
This sounds like a really sweet story with the added benefits of kids learning about wildlife rescue. I will be on the lookout for this book. Thanks for the review.
Sounds good!