Spring 2025

Starred Review The Black Mambas

The World's First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit

  • Interest Level: Grade 1 - Grade 4
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

Head out on patrol with the Black Mambas, South Africa’s first women-led anti-poaching unit.

This anti-poaching team is unlike any other: they carry no weapons. Instead, they keep animals safe with frequent patrols and a keen eye for footprints, snares, and other clues that poachers are nearby. These courageous women work in a nature reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. The reserve is home to the largest remaining populations of white rhinos, critically endangered black rhinos, and ground pangolins, one of the most trafficked animals in the world.

Author and photographer Kelly Crull traveled to South Africa to see firsthand how the Black Mambas are making a difference—for animals and for their communities. He tells their incredible story from their perspective, giving readers an unforgettable look at these environmental heroes.

A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit.

Format Your Price Add
979-8-7656-2725-9
$14.99
979-8-7656-5919-9
$24.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 1 - Grade 4
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Science
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Traditional Nonfiction, Diverse Books: Feminism, Diversity
Copyright 2025
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 40
Publication Date 2025-04-01
Text Type Informational/Explanatory
BISACS JNF003220, JNF037020, JNF011000
Dewey 639.90968
Dimensions 10.625 x 8.875
Guided Reading Level P
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Maps, Primary source quotations/images, Reviewed, Sidebars, Source notes, Starred Reviews, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Reviews

Starred Review School Library Journal

“The energy, passion, and effort of this unit is made obvious through these images and will inspire readers to look around their own surroundings for ways to care for neighboring wildlife. . . A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers.”—starred, School Library Journal

Publishers Weekly

“An earnest, enthusiastic tribute to the world’s first all-woman anti-poaching unit.”—Publishers Weekly

Starred Review Booklist

“The most exhilarating parts of the book, however, follow the Black Mambas on patrol as they observe wildlife up close, search the bush for snares, look for signs of poachers, and even plan and carry out a poacher ambush—all without guns. Documenting these courageous accomplishments are thrilling, large-scale photographs of the Black Mambas in action and the animals they serve to protect.. . . A joyful tribute to these dauntless women.”—starred, Booklist