Saving the Condor

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-- A presentation of scientists' efforts to save the endangered condor from extinction. The opening chapter relates the capture of the last California condor to exist in the wild. Succeeding chapters discuss behavior and how humans contributed to its demise while others emphasize how biologists are presently trying to save the giant bird by raising chicks in captivity and carefully planning for their release into the wild. Differing viewpoints for the best methods to insure survival are given. The writing style presents information in a straightforward manner, but a few lapses in continuity between chapters may create some confusion as to whether or not some California condors do actually reside in a natural habitat. Medium-size print and full-color photographs are appropriate for intermediate students. An index and current bibliography make material accessible for reports. Information about the California condor for this age group is limited, making this a welcome addition to collections about birds and endangered species. Use Faith McNulty's Peeping in the Shell (HarperCollins, 1986) with this title to compare methods of preventing extinction. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ