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Wild Survival #1
Crocodile Rescue! (Wild Survival #1)
For fans of The Trail, Out of My Shell, and The Honest Truth, Wild Survival is the story of a girl finding her voice . . . and fighting for survival.
Twelve-year-old Adriana Villalobos and her older brother Feye travel the globe with their parents, the hosts of a suspenseful nature show called "Wild Survival!" The show features daring animal rescues and the work the family does at their animal sanctuary. They've recently gotten an offer to take the show from YouTube to a TV network, and Adriana is thrilled. So far, she's always been behind the scenes, but now she gets to join the rest of her family onscreen. She can't wait to bring her passion for animals to a wide audience.
Their first stop is the lush mangrove forests of Cuba, where they're going to help rescue an injured crocodile. But things get off to a rocky start when Feye is injured in an accident partially caused by Adrianna. The status of the show is in jeopardy, and Adrianna's parents want her back behind the scenes, or maybe even back at home.
Adrianna is determined to prove herself, and save the show-whatever it takes. Even if that means confronting the legendary Mega Croc of Cuba that's rumored to inhabit the murky waters around their base camp.
Based on the author's real-life wildlife encounters, this middle-grade series will include real animal facts, light illustration of the creatures mentioned in each book, and an Author's Note from Melissa.
Twelve-year-old Adriana Villalobos and her older brother Feye travel the globe with their parents, the hosts of a suspenseful nature show called "Wild Survival!" The show features daring animal rescues and the work the family does at their animal sanctuary. They've recently gotten an offer to take the show from YouTube to a TV network, and Adriana is thrilled. So far, she's always been behind the scenes, but now she gets to join the rest of her family onscreen. She can't wait to bring her passion for animals to a wide audience.
Their first stop is the lush mangrove forests of Cuba, where they're going to help rescue an injured crocodile. But things get off to a rocky start when Feye is injured in an accident partially caused by Adrianna. The status of the show is in jeopardy, and Adrianna's parents want her back behind the scenes, or maybe even back at home.
Adrianna is determined to prove herself, and save the show-whatever it takes. Even if that means confronting the legendary Mega Croc of Cuba that's rumored to inhabit the murky waters around their base camp.
Based on the author's real-life wildlife encounters, this middle-grade series will include real animal facts, light illustration of the creatures mentioned in each book, and an Author's Note from Melissa.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2021
8 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Cristina Márquez
7 books25 followersKnown as the "Mother of Sharks," Melissa Cristina Márquez is a Latina marine biologist who has a lot of labels: science communicator, conservationist, author, educator, podcaster, television presenter. You might have seen her on Discovery Channel's Shark Week, National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, heard herTEDx talk or read her Scholastic books.
Márquez writes about sharks, the diverse people who work with them, and why both matter. As founder of The Fins United Initiative, a program that teaches audiences shark conservation and education, she finds it vital that we learn to co-exist with these oceanic predators.
Márquez writes about sharks, the diverse people who work with them, and why both matter. As founder of The Fins United Initiative, a program that teaches audiences shark conservation and education, she finds it vital that we learn to co-exist with these oceanic predators.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 21, 2021
Hello Gemmies! I have a new book review to share with you today. Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue by Melissa Cristina Marquez is a middle grade environmental action adventure and the first book in the Wild Survival series. This series is based on marine biologist Melissa Cristina Marquez's real-life wildlife encounters and is appropriate for grade levels 3-7.
We follow a Latinx family of conservationists, the Villalobos as they travel around the world rescuing animals and nursing them back to health at the Sacred Sanctuary and Zoological Park. In this first story our family of four travels to Cuba to rescue an injured crocodile. The trip is also being filmed as a pilot for a new network show. The locations and story are well written. You can feel Melissa Cristina Marquez's expertise and passion on every page. The locations, equipment, and animal descriptions are very thorough. Eight year old science loving me would have adored this book! Trigger warning there is an animal attack depicted in the story. It is well done but may be intense for younger readers.
Each character in Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue is well thought out, relatable, and realistic. Twelve year old Adrianna is our main protagonist. Adrianna is high spirited, smart, and eager to prove herself. The story is told from her perspective, and we get to experience each location and the magic of discovering animals in the wild with her bubbly enthusiasm. There are also plenty of real wildlife facts sprinkled in that enhance the story. You will lean about crocodiles, flamingo tongue snails, hutia's, Cuban tree frogs and more! There is plenty of action, intrigue, and science facts to keep readers both young and old entertained. If you like heart warming family adventures, animal rescue, environmental science, travel, and fun facts then this book is for you!
Published by Scholastic Paperback, Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue, is available for purchase from all major booksellers. I give Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue 4 out of 5 gems! I can't wait to read the next book in this fun series. Happy Reading!
We follow a Latinx family of conservationists, the Villalobos as they travel around the world rescuing animals and nursing them back to health at the Sacred Sanctuary and Zoological Park. In this first story our family of four travels to Cuba to rescue an injured crocodile. The trip is also being filmed as a pilot for a new network show. The locations and story are well written. You can feel Melissa Cristina Marquez's expertise and passion on every page. The locations, equipment, and animal descriptions are very thorough. Eight year old science loving me would have adored this book! Trigger warning there is an animal attack depicted in the story. It is well done but may be intense for younger readers.
Each character in Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue is well thought out, relatable, and realistic. Twelve year old Adrianna is our main protagonist. Adrianna is high spirited, smart, and eager to prove herself. The story is told from her perspective, and we get to experience each location and the magic of discovering animals in the wild with her bubbly enthusiasm. There are also plenty of real wildlife facts sprinkled in that enhance the story. You will lean about crocodiles, flamingo tongue snails, hutia's, Cuban tree frogs and more! There is plenty of action, intrigue, and science facts to keep readers both young and old entertained. If you like heart warming family adventures, animal rescue, environmental science, travel, and fun facts then this book is for you!
Published by Scholastic Paperback, Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue, is available for purchase from all major booksellers. I give Wild Survival Crocodile Rescue 4 out of 5 gems! I can't wait to read the next book in this fun series. Happy Reading!
January 29, 2021
@Kidlitexchange
Thank you to @scholasticinc for sharing an advance copy of Crocodile Rescue! (Wild Survival 1) by Melissa Cristina Márquez. This book will be published 2/2/21. All opinions are my own.
Twelve-year-old Adrianna and her older brother, Feye, travel the world with their parents hosting a nature show called Wild Survival! Their next stop is in Cuba to rescue an injured American crocodile. While there, Adrianna tries to prove that she is responsible and worthy or being on camera, but ends up making accidentally injuring Feye making her parents decide she was better off behind the camera than on it. Adrianna is determined to prove herself to her parents even if it means confronting the legendary mega croc of Cuba.
This was a fun and brief middle grade adventure/action book. It has great pacing, a strong plot, and the depictions of the scenes are very detailed. Márquez, a Latina marine biologist known as the "Mother of Sharks", expertly integrates scientific information about various plant and animal species native to Cuba. I love a book where the reader learns something without realizing that they're learning. The story is fun, intriguing, and full of adventure and excitement. It's a perfect book for readers who enjoy survival stories or who are interested in animal science. It also reminded me a little bit of Survivor Girl by Erin Teagan. I'm excited to see what the next book in the series will hold.
Thank you to @scholasticinc for sharing an advance copy of Crocodile Rescue! (Wild Survival 1) by Melissa Cristina Márquez. This book will be published 2/2/21. All opinions are my own.
Twelve-year-old Adrianna and her older brother, Feye, travel the world with their parents hosting a nature show called Wild Survival! Their next stop is in Cuba to rescue an injured American crocodile. While there, Adrianna tries to prove that she is responsible and worthy or being on camera, but ends up making accidentally injuring Feye making her parents decide she was better off behind the camera than on it. Adrianna is determined to prove herself to her parents even if it means confronting the legendary mega croc of Cuba.
This was a fun and brief middle grade adventure/action book. It has great pacing, a strong plot, and the depictions of the scenes are very detailed. Márquez, a Latina marine biologist known as the "Mother of Sharks", expertly integrates scientific information about various plant and animal species native to Cuba. I love a book where the reader learns something without realizing that they're learning. The story is fun, intriguing, and full of adventure and excitement. It's a perfect book for readers who enjoy survival stories or who are interested in animal science. It also reminded me a little bit of Survivor Girl by Erin Teagan. I'm excited to see what the next book in the series will hold.
June 9, 2022
Adrianna and her family are the stars of a popular nature show called Wild Survival. Their next assignment is to help an injured American Crocodile in Cuba. The show filming is almost a disaster when several serious accidents happen and other threats to the safety of the animals is discovered.
This is the first book in a series about this family and their animal program that is filmed all over the world. The reading level is 4th-5th grade, but the book will appeal to 4th through 8th grade readers looking for a fast paced action-adventure novel. The story highlights ecology and has great realism for young readers.
Book extras include brief fact pages on animals found in the habitat through out the story, an author's note where she lets the reader know that her real experiences with the crocodiles where the basis of this story, more extensive facts about the American Crocodile, and a Spanish glossary to learn some phrases used in the book.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library. The paperback cost makes it ideal for classroom reading libraries and for kids to be able to afford when choosing a good summer reading book.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This is the first book in a series about this family and their animal program that is filmed all over the world. The reading level is 4th-5th grade, but the book will appeal to 4th through 8th grade readers looking for a fast paced action-adventure novel. The story highlights ecology and has great realism for young readers.
Book extras include brief fact pages on animals found in the habitat through out the story, an author's note where she lets the reader know that her real experiences with the crocodiles where the basis of this story, more extensive facts about the American Crocodile, and a Spanish glossary to learn some phrases used in the book.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library. The paperback cost makes it ideal for classroom reading libraries and for kids to be able to afford when choosing a good summer reading book.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
February 3, 2021
Wild Survival: Crocodile Rescue! By Melissa Cristina Márquez is a charming and entertaining middle grade (ages 8-12 years old, 3-7 grade) eco-adventure novel. The protagonist is 12-year-old Adrianna Villalobos, a spunky and intrepid explorer who’s quite clever. Her Afro-Latinx family includes her mother, father and adopted older brother Feye.
The Villalobos family owns a wildlife sanctuary and zoo. They are the new stars of a wildlife rescue TV show Wild Survival! The family is tasked with finding and rehabilitating an injured crocodile in Cuba. The show producer, Mr. Savage is also on the lookout for a fabled mega-croc to sensationalize on the TV show.
Adrianna has to prove to her parents that she’s not too young—or irresponsible—to be on camera. Soon after arriving in Cuba, Adrianna puts her brother’s life in danger while he is tagging a croc. She then has to regain her parents’ trust after being put back behind-the-scenes.
For the rest of the review see blog Ocean of Hope: https://protecttheoceans.org/wordpres...
The Villalobos family owns a wildlife sanctuary and zoo. They are the new stars of a wildlife rescue TV show Wild Survival! The family is tasked with finding and rehabilitating an injured crocodile in Cuba. The show producer, Mr. Savage is also on the lookout for a fabled mega-croc to sensationalize on the TV show.
Adrianna has to prove to her parents that she’s not too young—or irresponsible—to be on camera. Soon after arriving in Cuba, Adrianna puts her brother’s life in danger while he is tagging a croc. She then has to regain her parents’ trust after being put back behind-the-scenes.
For the rest of the review see blog Ocean of Hope: https://protecttheoceans.org/wordpres...
December 13, 2021
For kids who dream of working with animals, they will not be able to put this book down! A young Latina girl, named Adrianna, joins her family in rescuing animals from all over the world while being filmed for a show called Wild Survival. For their debut appearance, they are to rescue an injured American Crocodile, which as you can imagine, is a “big first bite” for the team. Always trying to prove her worth and provide support for the team, Adrianna doesn’t shy away from jumping in the water amidst these prehistoric beasts. There are many close encounters throughout the book that will keep the reader at the edge of their seat.
Sprinkled throughout the book are fun facts and pictures about native animals to Cuba. Animal lovers will enjoy this information while seeing the animals come alive in the story. Fun fact: the author, Melissa Marquez, is a marine biologist who had a similar experience with a crocodile as the Adrianna; one that involved an “exploratory bite” and being dragged into deeper water!
Sprinkled throughout the book are fun facts and pictures about native animals to Cuba. Animal lovers will enjoy this information while seeing the animals come alive in the story. Fun fact: the author, Melissa Marquez, is a marine biologist who had a similar experience with a crocodile as the Adrianna; one that involved an “exploratory bite” and being dragged into deeper water!
February 9, 2021
My 3rd grade daughter loved it! She read the whole book in 5 days (mostly just after school). She loved the adventures and the animal facts were particularly fun for her. She gave me the book to read and is very impatiently waiting for me to finish it so we can discuss. She’s an animal lover who’s always wanted to be a marine biologist or work at a zoo / aquarium so this book got her right in the heartstrings! Can’t recommend it enough!
February 4, 2021
I couldn't let this book down. It's riveting story, the science facts, the lush descriptions gives you a feeling of belonging, of being part of the action. As an adult, I went into it with curiosity and left with a sense of wonder. Can't imagine the emotions a child will feel. Book #2 can't come fast enough!
July 22, 2021
This book was a lot of fun to read! Provided some opportunity for simple learning experiences and pictures for younger students, and more complex information and exposure to the natural world and even a new language. Excited to read book two.
April 18, 2021
It was exciting and I love that it's based off the author's real life experience, but it fell a little flat for me. It seemed like some plot lines went nowhere and others didn't make a lot of sense.
I think students will enjoy it but it doesn't stand out for me among other animal adventure books.
Recommended for grades 3-6.
I think students will enjoy it but it doesn't stand out for me among other animal adventure books.
Recommended for grades 3-6.
January 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book by fledgling author Marquez, and especially found it fascinating that some of the events in the story were inspired by what she has gone through. The Latine family is such a breath of fresh air in the children book's space, especially seeing them be successful in nature-based jobs. Overall, great job!
November 13, 2023
I'm surprised by how much I liked this book. I'm not usually a big fan of "survival" style stories but this one is more animal rescue with survival thrown in. I suspect there is also a bit of mystery as well I just don't trust Mr. Savage and he started acting off at the end of the book- but no explaination was given.
August 27, 2025
This book was exciting and fast-paced. The detailed descriptions of each new animal added a fantastic element to the story. With its intriguing plot twists, this middle-grade novel has me eagerly anticipating reading book two!
March 8, 2021
This is a story that MG readers should enjoy. Vivid descriptions of a swampy jungle domain and some terrifying encounters with crocs! (which are based on true events experienced by the author!!!)
April 14, 2021
Thanks to Scholastic for the advance reader copy. This was an entertaining action-packed story with a bit of mystery and great animal and science information.
May 29, 2021
This is one of my favorite books ever and I normally hate reading 📚.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
What a fantastic read!! Loved it from cover to cover and very educational for the little ones
July 4, 2022
A fun new adventure series!
July 16, 2023
This was so cute and fun!
I can't be the only one who thinks Mr. Savage is up to something, though, right?
I can't be the only one who thinks Mr. Savage is up to something, though, right?
October 2, 2023
Animal conservation, poachers & mild danger, animal bite
April 7, 2024
As an animal lover, I loved this book!
September 14, 2021
In this first title in a series related to animal activism, twelve-year-old Adrianna Villalobos is excited to accompany her parents and brother Feye to Cuba where they are searching for a wounded crocodile in the mangrove forests of the region. Because their adventures are taped for a nature show, there is plenty of suspense. But often Adrianna feels as though she spends most of her time on the sidelines due to her parents' overprotectiveness. When she makes a mistake while the family is tagging a crocodile, she finds herself sidelined even more. But Adrianna is smart and determined to earn her family's respect while proving herself a valuable part of the team. Will the risks she takes earn her an important role in the show or will they prove that she is too careless to be trusted? Middle grade readers will see themselves in this girl, flaws and all, and how she doesn't let anything keep her down for long. They'll also enjoy the action scenes, particularly one in which a crocodile takes an exploratory bite of her leg, but they'll also envy her job working with all those baby crocodiles that hatch, giving her a chance to change the minds of onlookers about these creatures. Although parts of the book seem a bit improbable, animal lovers and would-be scientists will enjoy this one.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews