The Last Wild Place

by Rosa Jordan

Book Overview

A complex story about small town life and displacement--both of humans and of wildlife.

Chip Martin's life is going well, but now everything is beginning to fragment. His brother Justin's away at college and his sister Kate is busy with her high school activities. His single mom's lifelong friendship with Booker Wilson has suddenly taken a romantic turn, and now his best friend Luther won't speak to him. Even worse, Chip has to face...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561454583
• ISBN13: 9781561454587
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.7"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Lovely

What an absolutely enchanting book. The Last Wild Place is aimed at children (middle age) and is a refreshing, charming and informative look at the word of friendship and animals. Chip is feeling pretty sad and lonely, but one day he discovers a beautiful family of panthers - they have been displaced and feel as down and confused as Chip. Chip identifies with them, but when he discovers that their lives are endanger, Chip rallies everyone he can find to help with his plan to make sure the Panthers are protected. This story was incredibly touching and gave me goose bumps. I love the way the story is told as we see so many similarities between the panthers and Chip. Chip is an adorable character and this story is absolutely terrific. If you are a fan of animals, then this book is for you. The writing is perfect for middle aged children and you will find yourself falling into the story yourself.

Refreshing read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so refreshing to read a story about kids who are decent, mannerly, respectful, and who have interests outside of themselves. All the characters were very real and likable. The book contains many terrific themes handled in a matter-of-fact manner: friendship, loyalty, intergenerational and interracial relationships, activism and more. The writing style is simple and straightforward, and you'll learn about a crucially endangered animal, the Florida panther. There are only about one hundred of these lovely animals left. The only quibble I have with the books is that it may give the impression that Florida panthers are aggressive; in fact, they are very shy, and, according to [...], a panther has never attacked a human. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book to middle school age kids, as they will read about characters who are worthy role models, and they might even learn that kids CAN make a difference.