Reviewed by CBC Reviewer From the northern plains of Tibet comes
this true story, written in free verse, about the quest of
scientist George Schaller and four other men to prevent the
extinction of the chiru—an antelope-like creature that cannot
survive captivity. The narrative of their journey is filled with
personal details. Students won't put down this NSTA/CBC
Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2011 without taking away a
much deeper understanding of the methods of science. The story
begins with detailed descriptions of the scientists'
preparations for a journey. The foods they packed (from falafel
to hot chocolate), the way they moved their supplies (on
specially made aluminum rickshaws), and the paths they would
travel (muddy above the permafrost) are all details that put
their efforts in context. It also begins with questions, like
whether they had enough supplies and whether the population of
Chiru was already so small that their journey might be in vain.
When they finally find the calving grounds of t