Eliot Schrefer’s Endangered delivers a gripping tale set amidst the political turmoil of the Congo, resonating profoundly due to its emotional portrayal of the bond between a girl and a bonobo. Praised for its compelling characters and vivid storytelling, some readers note a few plot points as predictable. Overall, it is highly recommended for its impact and educational value.

Readers who would enjoy Endangered by Eliot Schrefer are typically young adults who appreciate gripping, emotional narratives set in tumultuous environments. Fans of The Jungle Book and The Hunger Games will find similar elements of survival and strong character development. Ideal for those passionate about wildlife conservation and moral dilemmas.

Endangered by Eliot Schrefer follows 14-year-old Sophie Biyoya-Ciardulli as she navigates the perils of war-torn Congo in search of her mother, caring for an orphaned bonobo named Otto. Amidst escalating violence, she forms bonds with the bonobos, striving to protect them while facing numerous challenges and dangers throughout her journey. The book includes themes such as war and animal trafficking.

Emotional / Suspenseful / Adventurous / Heartwarming / Dark

- Endangered by Eliot Schrefer was a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2012, highlighting its critical acclaim.
- The novel is the first book in Eliot Schrefer's Ape Quartet, a series focusing on different endangered great ape species around the world.
- While researching for Endangered, Schrefer visited a bonobo sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to better understand the setting and animals depicted in the book.

**Sophie Biyoya-Ciardulli**  
A 14-year-old girl of mixed heritage who moves from Congo to Miami and navigates cultural differences at her American school while maintaining ties with her mother in Congo. She is intelligent, adaptable, and fluent in English, French, and Lingala.

**Otto**  
A young bonobo who becomes a significant part of Sophie's life after being rescued from bushmeat traffickers. He is characterized by his big eyes, sweet smile, and mischievous yet obedient nature.

**Florence Biyoya**  
Sophie's mother, who runs a bonobo sanctuary in Congo and prioritizes her work over moving to the United States. She is warm, tough, and deeply committed to the safety of endangered bonobos.

**Anastasia**  
An adult female bonobo and matriarch in the sanctuary, initially resistant to Sophie but integral in the dynamics within the bonobo group. She has a significant past being raised by humans before joining the sanctuary.

Eliot Schrefer

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Ape Quartet

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Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Otto” - Part 2: “A Country No More”

Parts 1-2

Endangered Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Enclosure”

Part 3 Endangered Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “What Remained Outside”

Part 4 Endangered Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Everything is Raining” - Part 7: “Congo”

Parts 5-7

Endangered Parts 5-7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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Important Quotes

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Introduction

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Before Reading

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