First, poaching of the panda is now illegal, but some people still sell panda pelts on the black market. I thin it’s horrid to make money by killing an innocent creature. Next, the book talked about how bamboo is poor in nutrients. Therefore, the panda must eat at least 40 pounds of bamboo every day! When bamboo reproduces, it cannot be eaten, which leads to panda starvation. And then, on top of all that, the panda has to deal with decreasing habitat in the wild. Most of this takes place when land is cleared for farming. Farmers have been around as long as pandas have, so conservationists don’t want to make the farmers leave. I think conservation is necessary for this endangered species, but farmers have a right to live and thrive on the land of their ancestors. I liked this book because it gave information on what’s being done to help the panda, and how the public can help as well. I think this book had a strength of “reeling” me in to want to help this cause. This book had a weakness of stating what conservationists are continuously doing wrong. I believe the information in this book is presented wonderfully, except it repeats itself a little. Panda Rescue isn’t exactly organized, but that doesn’t affect the comprehension of the text. New information is introduced before old is answered, but they are nicely concluded together. The book makes me want to learn more about the topic. Next, the photos are put in the book at just the right time, and they’re beautiful scenes. I don’t think I could improve the photos. The glossary has some other sources listed, but not many.

In conclusion, I love this book and the information given. I would give it a 4/5 because it repeats itself a little. I think if I had a friend that loved pandas, I would tell her about this book. I think this book should remain a Cornerstone.

~ Sydney E. of Brunswick, ME
3rd Place 6th Grade / Read, Write & Win 2007
1st Place 6th Grade illustration