The White Giraffe
by Lauren St John, illustrated by David Dean
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+
Published by Hachette, 2007
About this book
Devastated by her parents' death, Maxine is sent to South Africa and a grandmother she didn't know existed. Grieving, and puzzled by her decidedly cool welcome, Maxine instinctively loves the landscape and animals in the wildlife reserve her grandmother manages. She's curious about the legendary white giraffe and when Maxine glimpses it one night, the connection between them is instantaneous.
So begins an exhilarating, dangerous adventure as she uncovers a deadly threat from poachers - and secrets about herself and her history. There is plenty of excitement and tension but also striking descriptions of the beauty of the African bush, of wildlife under threat, and a strong sense of the legends that underlie the present in this readable novel.
About the author
More books like this
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Finding Wonder
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Lists of recommended reads
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Animal stories for older readers
These chapter books are perfect for engaging children who love animals, with something for everyone from reluctant readers to those reading above their age level.