For animal lovers and fans of The One and Only Ivan and Hoot, this is the uplifting story of a girl who discovers a family of panthers that were thought to be extinct, and her journey to save the species.

Eleven-year-old Kiri has a secret: wild things call to her. More than anyone else, she’s always had a special connection to animals.

But when Kiri has an encounter with the last known Florida panther, her life is quickly turned on end. Caught between her conservationist father, who wants to send the panther to a zoo, and the village poachers, who want to sell it to feed their families, Kiri must embark on a journey that will take her deep into the wilderness.

There has to be some way to save the panther, and for her dad and the villagers to understand each other. If Kiri can’t figure out what it is, she’ll lose far more than the panthers—she’ll lose the only home she’s ever known, and the only family she has left.

2018 Green Earth Book Award Honor
2018 Colorado Book Award Winner
CAL Book Award Winner
Green Prize for Sustainable Literature Award Winner
A Bank Street "Best Children's Book of the Year"
A National Geographic Giant Traveling Map of Florida Selection

"A powerful tale of a future to be avoided." —Kirkus Reviews

"An eerie cautionary tale about the dangers of not protecting the environment, tackles an important theme in a compelling way...a fantastical tale with roots in real-world issues." —Booklist

"Earnest, heartfelt, and passionate, this book will likely inspire new environmentalists." —Bulletin

"A boldly original, profoundly wise, deeply moving book. It’s a rare gift to any reader, as well as to our planet.”
—T. A. Barron, best-selling author of the Merlin Saga

Todd Mitchell