The Zoo at the Edge of the World

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Marlin lives and exciting life at the Zoo at the Edge of the World resort in South America. His father, Ronan Rackham, is known for being a fearless handler of exotic animals and world explorer. However, Marlin’s stuttering impedes his relationships with others and causes him to be bullied by his older brother. When a rare jaguar is brought to the zoo, Marlin discovers he has a gift for talking to animals and puts Marlin in a difficult position. Should he release the animals or obey his father’s wishes that the animals stay locked up in cages? Eric Kahn Gale has written an exciting, fantasy story that will have middle grade readers questioning what is right and wrong. The descriptive language, setting, and characters make The Zoo at the Edge of the World an excellent read aloud for grades 4-6.

Overall Book Score: very good