The Magnificent Migration

Starred review from May 1, 2019
Montgomery journeys into the heart of the wildebeest migration with a wildlife biologist who has been studying these African mammals for more than 50 years. Eleven chapters and a reflective epilogue chronicle a two-week visit to Tanzania's northern plains with a small group led by Richard Estes, "the guru of gnu." Montgomery, who has described many remarkable scientific field trips for the Scientists in the Field series, aims this report at older readers who can take in and act on her underlying message: "Throughout the Serengeti, our kind threatens the very survival of the migration we've come so far to witness." Tension heightens as the wildebeest hordes elude them for days. Finally, a dramatic car breakdown in the wilderness is followed by "immersion" in an ocean of migrating gnus--a climax that would be unbelievable in fiction. Setting this particular safari in a larger context, and heightening the suspense, are interspersed short segments about Serengeti wildlife, poachers' snares, the role of fire, "other magnificent migrants," and more. The overall design is inviting and appropriate to the subject. There are maps, plentiful photos of African animals, and pictures and minibiographies of Montgomery's all-white safari companions, both American and Tanzanian. Montgomery touches on the white-directed nature of much scientific research in Africa as well as pressures from colonialism and climate change but keeps her focus tightly on the wildebeest. A splendid wildlife adventure skillfully conveyed. (acknowledgments, selected bibliography, note on wildebeest conservation and tourism, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 11-adult)

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July 19, 2019

Gr 6 Up-This diary-like narrative immerses young people in the migration of wildebeest herds and the process of tracking them. Conversations among the safari team give the book a personalized feel that draws readers into the adventure. Wildebeests' bodies are designed for a life on the move, and close-ups of this most numerous of all the African antelopes show why the wildebeest is often described in unflattering terms-"goat-like beard, cow-like horns, and horse-like mane, it must have been made out of spare parts." Nevertheless, they manage to establish territories, mate, give birth, and care for their calves without staying anywhere for long in their seasonal cycle of following food and water. Colorful maps show their migration trail through Kenya and Tanzania and the path of the safari tracking them. Beginning with full-color endpapers of wildebeests gathering and grazing on the Serengeti, the photographs throughout highlight the myriad African animals and the people who work to protect them. A multiple page index with detailed entries for wildebeests will help students with report writing, and the selected bibliography will lead to more in-depth study of specific African trees, shrubs, mammals, and birds. VERDICT A celebration of the amazing wildebeests and African wildlife. Recommended for homework support.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 15, 2019
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* It's possible that wildebeest won't initially grab readers' attentions, but it's worth encouraging them to take a chance on these African ungulates, because Montgomery quickly proves that they're as exciting as they come. While similar to her volumes in the Scientists in the Field series, this stand-alone title has a far more personal tone, as Montgomery narrates her experiences with wildebeest expert Dr. Richard Estes and their safari team as they track the massive, year-round migration of these animals. Montgomery impressively conveys the large-scale importance of wildebeest's Serengeti circuit by focusing on the details observed (and smelled) on her journey. It's a trip punctuated by vampiric flies, car trouble, laughter, tragedy, and wonder?all while in pursuit of a somehow elusive, million-strong herd. Wildebeest, also called gnus, are a keystone species whose pursuit of Africa's rains keeps its grassland ecosystem healthy, but human expansion and poaching are taking a toll on this, to use Montgomery's term, symphonic migration. She makes connections to other awesome animal migrants (loggerhead sea turtles, zooplankton, monarch butterflies, etc.) and zooms in on other animals her team encounters on their travels, providing a larger context for the wildebeest's migration and a clear depiction of nature's interconnectedness. Montgomery's and Dr. Estes' passion for these astonishing animals makes this illuminating, information-rich account an adventure that may just inspire a gnu generation of ecological heroes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)