THE WILDES

Dangers lurk beneath the ocean’s surface—but sometimes the risks aboveground can be even worse.

This follow-up to The Wildes: The Amazon (2023) delivers a fast-paced thrill ride involving poachers, endangered porpoises, and a sinister businessman. When the danger-prone Wilde family embarks on a mission in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, it isn’t long before Asia and little brother Ring are mingling with the locals, getting to know the natural flora and fauna, and upsetting bad guys. The ecologically minded Wildes are preparing for the upcoming Vaquita Summit, designed to explore ecological concerns including how the highly endangered vaquitas, known as ghost porpoises, struggle to survive in captivity. Scientists, including the kids’ veterinarian father, Dr. Jack, and their conservation biologist mom, Dr. Jane, grapple with whether the benefits of penning the small porpoises for breeding to boost their population outweighs the likelihood of their dying from the stress of captivity. Engaging and informative nuggets are interspersed throughout. The siblings move through their adventures with distinct operating strategies: Ring is more interested in fishing and getting to know local people, while Asia is more committed to research and protecting the porpoises. While battling the elements—not to mention shady people more committed to tearing down the Wildes than uplifting the vaquitas—the kids once again face a boatload of challenges and must rely on their wits and teamwork.

An exciting story highlighting critical environmental issues.