Book review by Kelley Crawford

Having a Monkey on Your Back Takes on a Whole New Meaning in Eliot Schrefer’s novel Endangered.

With her father living in the United States and her mother running a bonobo rescue center in the Congo, fifteen-year-old Sophie has been traveling between words since she was a little girl. When summer arrives and she goes for her annual visit to the Congo, Sophie remembers her mother’s rule—never buy a bonobo ape off the streets. Never. Sophie knows the importance of that rule, but one day the sight of a peddler trying to sell a baby bonobo, who is abused and on the brink of starvation, is too much for Sophie. She takes out her cash, they strike a deal, and Sophie has a new baby that clings to her with every breath. War strikes out in the Congo and Sophie finds herself trying to survive in the jungle with her new baby bonobo. Soon she finds, though, that it isn’t just her baby bonobo depending on her, it’s an entire clan of endangered bonobo apes that are following her and looking to her for safety.

 Schrefer’s book is a fascinating story that tears through the jungles of the Congo and focuses on the importance of love and perseverance. Sophie’s character is strong, selfless, and savvy, and her bonobo sidekick—Otto—brings laughter and tears to the reader. Schrefer did his research, and it shows in this stellar story about interconnection, friendship, and survival.

 Bottom line: An excellent read that teaches while it entertains

Audience: If you liked Life of Pi (Yann Martel) or any book where one of the main characters is an animal, then you will enjoy this look into the life of bonbos in the Congo.