4.5 stars. I loved this book. There is certainly some ugly violence, and the story is not easy. I think it would be a good introduction for teens to the confusing political situation of the the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the same time it discusses human and animal rights. ( )

While visiting her mother’s bonobo rescue center, the main character Sophie & the bonobo Otto she rescued herself become a victim of a violent civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She grows up quickly to escape death and to protect her bonobo. This feels overwhelmingly like a dystopian YA novel; it is not for the weak at heart. Sophie, soon to be a high school freshman, is immature, impulsive, and emotional. It was hard to sympathize with her for much of book. However, I think the point was to demonstrate her growth, fortitude, and intelligence when put to the test. I find it highly unlikely a 14-year-old girl could survive in war-torn Congo, while caring for a young bonobo. But if you can suspend disbelief, it is an excellent story. I learned so much about bonobos, and their cruelly being subjected to illegal trade for meat & superstitious beliefs. Vast amount of trigger warnings: substantial amount of violence to people and animals. This book is very well-written and I can understand why it was a National Book Award finalist. I’m now reading (listening to) book 2 in the series and I am impressed how the author has put together another original story, this time about chimpanzees in Gabon. But it does appear it will be as violent as the first book. And I forgot to mention, I cried at the end. ( )

When Sophie has to visist her mother at her sanctuary for bonobos, She´s not thrilled to be there. Then Otto, an infant bonobo , comes into her life and for the first time she feels responsible for another creature.

Fictional story of a 15-year old Sophie, whose mother runs a preserve for bonobos in the Congo, and whose divorced father lives in Miami, where she attends school. War breaks out during her summer visit, and Sophie decides she cannot abandon her young bonobo charge (Otto.) Soldiers attack the preserve and she takes refuge with the bonobos, and then sets out to find safety for herself and Otto. Schrefer has done a nice job describing life in a war-torn country and efforts to save a species. ( )

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