Jackie's Wild Seattle

May 1, 2003
Gr 5-8-This exciting, poignant, and beautifully developed story covers a crucial few weeks for several people whose lives intertwine to change and benefit all. Shannon Young, 14, and her younger brother, Cody, traumatized by witnessing the events of 9/11, arrive in Seattle to spend the summer with their uncle while their physician parents travel to Pakistan with Doctors Without Borders. Uncle Neal is living and volunteering at Jackie's Wild Seattle, a wildlife rescue and rehab center where Tyler, an abused teen, is "doing time" for torturing a dog. Neal has not told the children that he has cancer, but Shannon overhears a conversation and finds out. When he injures his hand and is unable to perform rescues, Shannon and Cody-under his tutelage-take over with thrilling results. Tyler slowly breaks out of his shell, Cody begins to overcome his fixation with disasters, and Neal finds meaning and hope in his life through a badly injured bald eagle and a rescue dog. Seen through Shannon's increasingly maturing and observant eyes, the fabric of these characters, human and animal, is woven tightly with crisp, realistic dialogue in a remarkable story of adventure and redemption. Based on a real wildlife center and the experiences of some of its denizens, this story will reach deep into the hearts of young readers.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2003
Gr. 5-8. Fourteen-year-old Shannon and her kid brother, Cody, are staying with their uncle Neal, an animal rescuer for a shelter called Jackie's Wild Seattle. When Neal is hurt, Shannon steps in, putting herself in danger to save the animals. Shannon is a welcome relief from the angst-ridden heroines prevalent in much of today's teen literature, and, as is usual in Hobbs' books, this story is packed with action. Each character has a storm to weather, which is ultimately confronted in a way that seems a natural part of the overall plot. Authentic detail, especially about the rescued animals (Jackie's Wild Seattle was inspired by an actual shelter), prevents the book from becoming too sentimental, and adding to the realism is Hobbs' acknowledgement of 9/11 and its impact on various characters. An especially good choice for reluctant readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2004
Narrator Shannon and her younger brother spend the summer with Uncle Neal, who works for a Seattle animal-rescue facility. When Neal is injured, Shannon assists in rescuing an otter, a coyote, and other animals. Although the novel is weighed down by too many heavy subplots, including Neal's lymphoma and the plight of a troubled teenager doing community service at the rescue center, nature enthusiasts will be enthralled.

(Copyright 2004 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)