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Reviews
Saving the Baghdad Zoo: A True Story of Hope and Heroes by William Sumner, Kelly Milner Halls
kristenremenar's review
4.0
Really cool book that didn't get five stars from me because of the choppy feeling with the huge sidebars on almost every page interrupting the flow of the story. Aside from that, the story itself is amazing, people coming together during a war to save zoo animals.
aoosterwyk's review
4.0
An interesting book about the rescue of zoo animals who were abandoned during the bombing of Baghdad, by American soldiers and members of the international community as well as Iraqi zoo personnel. Many of these animals were already in trouble before the war. Photos and sidebars provide quick info.
Bibliography and source notes in the back for further research.
Bibliography and source notes in the back for further research.
yabetsy's review
4.0
Another winner from Kelly Milner Halls to add to my outreach shelf.
More at Reality Rules: bookbetsy.blogspot.com
More at Reality Rules: bookbetsy.blogspot.com
pwbalto's review
5.0
This book is absolutely a must-have, no-discussion, gimme-gimme purchase for the school library. The story of U.S. and Iraqi military and civilian volunteers rescuing zoo animals in post-invasion Baghdad, it is full of wondrous moments: peril, as when a convoy transporting animals on an hour-long journey across town encounters sniper fire; tragedy, when a soldier ventures too close to the tiger cage; nobility, bravery, and humor.
Sidebars give information on the animal species, background about the war, and first-person reminiscences by Major William Sumner, the civilian affairs officer assigned the duty of "doing something about" the zoo.
Not only did Sumner and his team find and care for the animals in the Baghdad Zoo, they rescued exotic animals all over town, from private petting zoos and palace menageries. In a chaotic six-hour fracas, they rescued sixteen of Saddam Hussein's priceless Arabian horses from a racetrack in the most dangerous part of town. They assisted in the birth of six lion cubs even as fighting continued in the city.
This team worked hard, improvised, begged, and above all, went far beyond the call of duty to feed and care for these creatures. It's a fascinating story, a terrific discussion starter, an inspiration.
Sidebars give information on the animal species, background about the war, and first-person reminiscences by Major William Sumner, the civilian affairs officer assigned the duty of "doing something about" the zoo.
Not only did Sumner and his team find and care for the animals in the Baghdad Zoo, they rescued exotic animals all over town, from private petting zoos and palace menageries. In a chaotic six-hour fracas, they rescued sixteen of Saddam Hussein's priceless Arabian horses from a racetrack in the most dangerous part of town. They assisted in the birth of six lion cubs even as fighting continued in the city.
This team worked hard, improvised, begged, and above all, went far beyond the call of duty to feed and care for these creatures. It's a fascinating story, a terrific discussion starter, an inspiration.
sunbear98's review
5.0
I have to admit, I love everything Kelly Milner Halls writes. This story is particularly touching because it is about animals and the effects of war that could easily go unnoticed. When I picked this book up I was reminded of the story of The Faithful Elephants, the story of a Zoo in Tokyo during/after WWII.
Thanks you Kelly for introducing me and a huge audience of students and kids to Major Sumner and his crew.
Thanks you Kelly for introducing me and a huge audience of students and kids to Major Sumner and his crew.
libscote's review
4.0
I liked this book, because it reminded me of the cultural institutions that get shattered in war zone areas. Sometimes I can't tell if the animals actually had great living conditions prior to the bombing, but the story of people's efforts to save them and give them a better life is quite touching. I think kids would really enjoy this book, and it has sidebars so you could read as much or as little as you want.
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