Julie and the Eagles (American Girl Collection Series: Julie) by Megan McDonald, Robert Hunt (Illustrator), Susan McAliley (Illustrator)

Product Details

Synopsis

Julie and her best friend, Ivy, find a baby owl in Golden Gate Park--and it needs help. At a wildlife rescue center, Julie meets Shasta and Sierra, two bald eagles that will be caged for life unless money is raised to release them back into the wild. For Earth Day, Julie thinks of a unique way to tell the public of the eagles’ plight. The "Looking Back" section explores the beginning of the environmental movement.

This book is the fourth in a series of six historical books filled with inspiring lessons of compassion, courage, and friendship. Julie’s entire book set includes: Meet Julie; Julie Tells Her Story; Happy New Year, Julie; Julie and the Eagles; Julie’s Journey; and Changes for Julie.

Children's Literature

This book from the "American Girl" series provides a wonderful example of how children can learn to help wildlife survive. The girls here demonstrate readiness to undertake a difficult task on their own and work to help a wildlife rescue center save a pair of injured eagles. Two best friends are riding their bikes in Golden Gate Park when they decide to relax under some shady trees. They are distracted by a strange noise they hear there and discover the noise is coming from a baby owl. Unable to care for the bird themselves, they bring it to a wildlife rescue center where they meet two bald eagles, one of which has an injured wing. The rescue center staff is able to care for the birds until they are well with the hope of eventually releasing them back into the wild again. However, they can only do so if they raise enough money for the birds' care. This story demonstrates how children can educate the public about the plight of such birds and wildlife in general. The illustrations are classic, beautifully composed and tastefully executed. Such important wildlife rescue centers are spread throughout the United States, and I'm certain this story will inspire kids to learn more about them. Reviewer: Joan Elste

Biography

Megan McDonald is the author of the award-winning Judy Moody series and its companion series starring Stink. She is also the author of ANT AND HONEY BEE, illustrated by Brian Karas. "I used to live near my sister in Minnesota, where it’s very snowy," she says. "My sister had a mailman whose name was . . . Jack Frost. For real! I never forgot because I thought it was so funny and so magical." Megan McDonald now lives in Sebastopol, California.