Last week I participated in the Unforgotten Blog Tour, a new title about the life of Dian Fossey. There you learned of TWO LIES AND ONE TRUTH about this iconic mountain gorilla researcher, written by author Anita Silvey. Today is my review of this book.

Six chapters reveal the story of Dian’s dedication to these fascinating animals. The road had many successes. Befriending the Gorillas like no one had done before and eventually publishing her book, Gorillas in the MIst were definite highlights. Not left out are the down moments including alcoholism and her murder in 1985.

Pictured bios of the gorillas she became attached to are included. Dian remembered each by their unique noses—no two were alike. The highlights don’t stop there. Full details about The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas show the great progress made to this day. In 1973 Fossey recorded only 275 gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park; there are about twice that many today.

I particularly enjoyed the back pages where a FIELD NOTES include maps, a timeline of her life, a plant guide, and further resources.

UNFORGOTTEN is an engrossing read with excellent photos. Young readers will be inspired and possibly motivated to pursue their own career in protecting animals. Highly recommended for the school and home library.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.