Awesome Wildlife Defenders

MARTHA ATTEMA's award-winning novels were inspired by family experiences and historical events during WWII. Her concern for the environment is reflected in this new novel for young readers. Born in the Netherlands, Martha Attema now lives in Powassan, Ontario.

Awesome Wildlife Defenders, a young reader novel, is the story of eleven-year-old Rebecca, who is struggling with panic attacks. Life becomes complicated when her eccentric class teacher teams her up with her Indigenous classmate, Cedar, on a project about the endangered northern spotted owl. While working together on the project, Rebecca discovers that Cedar is kind and a talented artist and not at all the way her other classmates see him -- as weird. But Cedar carries an enormous burden that his father has been in jail. When Cedar's grandfather learns about their work on endangered species, he takes them to the Raptors organization to watch a flying demonstration. Rebecca feels a touch of magic when the great horned owl flies down and lands on her wrist. Is it possible that this unforgettable moment will help her cope with any future panic attacks? While staying with his father, Cedar disappears for a short time. Rebecca is determined to find him and does so with the help of her teacher. The endangered species project brings all the students together when they sew and sell felt owlets. Will her class raise enough money to adopt twelve endangered species?