The Summer I Saved The Wild - Rachel Faturoti

'Kamaria loves wildlife and dreams of adventures beyond her strict parents' rules.  When a strange and wondrous creature seeks her help, she knows she must fund the courage to act.  Time is running out as habitats are threatened.  Will Kamaria believe in the power of her own voice?  Can she really make a difference?  This summer, her life will change forever ...'

Having read The Boy In The Smoke last summer whilst on holiday (you can read my review here), reading The Summer I Saved The Wild on holiday this year seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. 

Whilst both books cover family themes in some way, they are very different books and I really liked that.  The Summer I Saved The Wild is a book about environmentalism and saving the green spaces in our local community.  Kamaria loves everything to do with wildlife but she is also very keen not to upset her parents.  A series of family incidents sees her cousin Precious spending the summer with her and the pair couldn't be more different: whilst Kamaria is keen to keep her parents happy by following their very strict rules, Precious is desperate to follow her dreams, no matter the cost.  What unfolds is a wonderful relationship that shows that we don't have to have the same interests in order to appreciate each other.  It's wonderful to see how the pair navigate their very different views and life-styles.  Family issues are one of the main themes of this book, including the idea of children growing and discovering their own identities.  It's something every child has to go through and the background behind this family explains a lot.  

The conservation element of The Summer I Saved The Wild sings from the pages and will have a big impact on readers.  We are losing many of our green spaces and the need to protect them is growing ever more important.  I love the messages this book conveys and the idea that finding your voice can make a difference. 

Out now, The Summer I Saved The Wild is a perfect holiday read and one that will remind readers of the importance of standing up for what you believe in.