Early Book Review: Gone is Gone: Wildlife Under Threat by Isabelle Groc

Gone is Gone: Wildlife Under Threat by Isabelle Groc, with a foreword by Jane Goodall, is currently scheduled for release on September 24 2019. This children's nonfiction book looks at why species become endangered, how scientists are learning about endangered wildlife, what people are doing to conserve species and ways young people can help. It contains unique photos that the author has taken over many years of observing endangered species in the field alongside the people who work to conserve them. Throughout the book the author shares enchanting encounters and personal field stories: watching narwhals socialize in the Canadian Arctic, getting close to a Laysan albatross raising chicks in a remote Hawaiian island, spotting a rhinoceros on safari, and even swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. It inspires to inform, intrigue and inspire readers to take small steps toward big changes for endangered species around the world.

Gone is Gone does a good job of explaining the ins and outs of how animals become threatened or extinct, how humans play a role, and how to help protect them. The images of the animals and landscapes help show the reality of the situation rather than leaving it as a problem we know about but cannot necessarily grasp beyond theory.  The information starts with the basics- how animals are classified by threat level and who makes those distinctions, then on to what is making the largest negative impact on these populations and the basics of some of the better known endangered species. I found the information on the efforts and scientist involved in studying and conserving wildlife to fascinating. I really enjoyed reading about the successes we have already had in increasing some populations, and how interconnected the habitats and different types of life are. It brought home how much good seemingly small things can have an impact- good or bad- on the larger ecosystem. The simple actions suggested for readers might take a little effort- but they are a place to start and can be done easily I also liked that there was a glossary, list of book and online resources, and index at the end of the book. Not every reader takes advantage of these things, but I find them important in encouraging further reading, research, and action. I found the book as a whole to be well written. It does not talk down to readers, and is accessible at the same time. I found it to be informative and inspiring to read. I think it will be the same for other middle grade and older readers, including adults.

Gone is Gone is an engaging, interesting, and informative read. A great book for middle grade and older readers. It would be a good addition to public, school, and classroom libraries.