Jackie's Wild Seattle

Fourteen-year-old Shannon and her little brother, Cody, who has been suffering from nightmares since witnessing the terrorist attacks of 9/11, spend the summer with their uncle, who rescues wounded animals for a wildlife sanctuary. Her friendship with Tyler, a boy court-ordered to do community service because of abusing animals, brings about deep soul-searching. Stina Nielsen narrates with an appropriate balance of matter-of-factness and sensitivity, seamlessly becoming the protagonist. Realistic characters, a suspenseful plot, exciting episodes of animal rescue, a serious exploration of healing, and a moving message about the interconnectedness of all living things make this a fulfilling read. E.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

May 1, 2004
Gr 5-8-Shannon, 14, and her precocious little brother Cody have a summer to remember in Washington State when they visit their Uncle Neal. The story is set in the summer of 2002, with 9-11 still fresh in the characters' memories, especially 7-year-old Cody, who witnessed the second plane crashing into the Twin Towers from his Weehauken, N.J., home. Much to their surprise, Uncle Neal, who has been laid off from Boeing, is driving an animal ambulance for Jackie's Wild Seattle, a wildlife rescue center. Shannon and Cody get caught up in the excitement of rescuing animals large and small and helping to nurse them back to health. When a trapped falcon seriously injures Neal, Shannon takes over as the main animal rescuer, and must attempt several dangerous rescues, including a baby seal trapped by an incoming tide at the bottom of a cliff and a coyote trapped in an office building elevator. As the summer progresses, Shannon learns a secret about Neal and helps a troubled youth performing community service at the animal shelter. Cody learns to move past his post 9-11 trauma, and Uncle Neal reconnects with his family. Narrator Stina Nielsen keeps Will Hobbs' novel (HarperCollins, 2003) moving along. This exciting audiobook is sure to be a hit with Hobbs' fans as well as animal lovers.-David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.