Gr 5—7—This is the final book in a series that began with The White Giraffe (Dial, 2007), but it stands on its own. Martine, 11, has been living with her grandmother on a South African game reserve since the death of her parents. She loves the animals and land, and over the last year has discovered that she has the power to heal animals. But the peace and contentment of Sawubona is shattered when Reuben James, a former business partner of Martine's late grandfather, appears with a new will granting him ownership of the entire reserve. Martine, her grandmother, and all their employees must leave in two weeks. Martine is convinced that Mr. James somehow tricked her grandfather and vows to save Sawubona. She is encouraged in her effort by Grace, the local sangoma (healer), who divines her future and tells her that elephants will be a part of her quest. Along with her friend Ben, Martine sneaks into Mr. James's plane and when it lands they find themselves in Namibia. There they discover just what Reuben James has been up to—and that they were right to mistrust him. The children manage to expose him and in the process save a group of mistreated captive elephants. This is a fast-paced mystery with an underlying conservation theme. Tween readers will be absorbed by the adventure, the animals, and the African setting.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA
The future of Sawubona Game Reserve is at stake in Martine's fourth and final story. This time her adventure includes saving wild elephants while fighting people trying to take over Namibia's water supply. Though Martine continues to be a compelling protagonist, the final explanation of her gift, hinted at throughout the series, is something of a letdown.
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