Tracking Tortoises
The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant
The Galápagos Islands were named for the amazing giant tortoises that live there—but these incredible reptiles are endangered. They live only on the Galápagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. And they face threats from humans as well as from Earth’s warming climate. Discovered in 1535, Galápagos giant tortoises were brought to museums and zoos and even used as a food source for hungry sailors, which caused massive declines in population. Now scientists are working to protect these tortoises. By tracking migration trails, monitoring nests, and even raising tortoise hatchlings, scientists hope to ensure the survival of the Galápagos giant tortoise.
Join author Kate Messner and photographer Jake Messner on a journey to the Galápagos Islands to see these magnificent creatures up close and discover how cutting-edge technology is helping scientists to study and protect them.
Scan QR codes to see the scientists in action!
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-5415-9611-5
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$25.99 | |
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978-1-7284-3629-6
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$38.99 |
| Interest Level | Grade 4 - Grade 8 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 5 |
| Genre | Science |
| Category | 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Animals, STEM, STEM: Life Science/Animals |
| Copyright | 2022 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Millbrook Press ™ |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 64 |
| Publication Date | 2021-09-07 |
| Text Type | Narrative Nonfiction |
|---|---|
| BISACS | JNF003360, JNF051150, JNF003270 |
| Dewey | 597.92/46 |
| Dimensions | 10.625 x 8.875 |
| Lexile | 1110 |
| Guided Reading Level | X |
| ATOS Reading Level | 7.4 |
| Accelerated Reader® Points | 3.0 |
| Features | Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Index, Maps, Page Plus™, Photo captions, Primary source quotations/images, Reviewed, Source notes, and Starred Reviews |
Author: Kate Messner
Kate Messner is passionately curious and writes books that encourage kids to wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books, easy readers, chapter books, nonfiction, and novels. A former teacher, Kate lives in upstate New York with her family and is trying to summit all 46 Adirondack High Peaks in between book deadlines.
Photographer: Jake Messner
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Awards
- AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books
- NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12
- Green Earth Book Award
Reviews
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)
“This book is perfection.” –Children’s Literature
The New York Times Book Review
“For readers curious about what it’s like to be a scientist, the book provides superb insights . . . And it opens doors to understanding the challenging times in which we live, the difficult choices we face and how we can go about building a more hopeful future.”—The New York Times Book Review
Booklist
“An informative presentation on these notable reptiles.”—Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
“Messner smoothly introduces her readers to the formation and population of this famous archipelago . . . Science at work in a unique setting.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
“[A] vivid picture of not only the giant tortoises of these unique islands but also of the scientists who study animals that will outlive them. . . . Highly recommended for libraries and science classrooms with budding naturalists.”—School Library Journal