A heart-pounding, continent-hopping race to photograph 7 endangered animals in just 70 days! . . . and solve a family mystery. Ages 7 to 14 ★ A page-turner the entire family can enjoy! ★ 3 full-page maps ★55+ illustrations ★ Cool animal facts ★ Discussion guide included. Armando and the Amazing Animal Race is like The Amazing Race meets Jumanji—with endangered animals, a ticking clock, and a shy kid who has no idea he’s about to help save the Amazon rainforest. Then add a wacky and wonderful Granny and a baffling mystery to solve! Twelve-year-old Armando never expected to spend his summer vacation racing around the world with his grandmother. But when they create a multigenerational team for the Amazing Animal Race, a grueling competition to snap photos of seven endangered animals in just seventy days, he discovers that Granny D is full of surprises! Armed with night vision goggles, bear spray, and online support from his tech-savvy friend Jinny, Armando embarks on a quest across seven countries that will push him to the limit. From the icy Arctic to the steamy Amazon, Armando gains confidence as he faces ruthless race rivals and close encounters with rare and sometimes dangerous creatures. For Armando, the race is more than a photography context. It's his chance to solve a baffling family mystery, rebuild family relationships, and develop his passion for helping animals and the environment. Readers join Armando on a whirlwind journey of self-discovery across the globe, filled with thrilling action, laugh-out-loud moments, and intergenerational characters. The thrill of close encounters with wild animals will remain long after the adrenaline rush ends. This coming-of-age tale of family, mystery, and wildlife conservation will inspire young adventurers to see the world and themselves in a whole new light. Perfect for fans of The Explorer Academy (National Geographic), the National Park Mystery Series, The Last Bear, and Hoot . . . or anything with page-turning action, heart-warming moments, and unpredictable twists. One word of advice: Don’t start this book at bedtime—because once the race begins, you won’t want to stop. *** “I liked Armando’s curiosity and love for animals. My favorite animal was the jerboa. I liked Brazil and Greenland the most. I could feel like I was walking in the rainforest and going on a dog sled!” —Lily G. (Japan-Canada), age 10 “The story is very realistic, and I can picture the Amazing Animal Race actually happening. I love the race and its purpose to raise awareness about endangered animals. —Milly D. (Australia), age 11 “I like Granny D because she reminds me of my grandmother. I also liked how Armando and Granny D helped each other.” —Danielle S. (Israel), age 13 ". . . an exciting international adventure for young environmentalists." —KIRKUS REVIEWS - "Our Verdict: √ GET IT!" "Whimsical . . . intricate, thoughtful coming-of-age novel." —FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS ★★★★ " . . . fantastically engaging story . . . the race and Armando's search for his mother as well as his renewed relationship with his father are so well drawn and authentic (super fun as well as poignant). The story's environmental focus is wonderfully handled." —JENNIFER REES, Editor, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Explorer Academy series "A transformative journey that educates readers about the importance of conservation . . . will resonate with anyone who yearns for adventure." —MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW "If you have wondered how to instill a love of nature and wildlife in young people, here is an answer in a story you cannot put down." —ARTHUR DAHL, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) "This engaging story will keep children—and maybe even their parents and grandparents—up well past their usual bedtime." —PAUL HANLEY, author of Man of the Trees (Foreword by JANE GOODALL) "Impeccable research, sprinkled with 'wacky animal facts,' immerses readers in the rich sights, sounds, and people from diverse countries." —SANDY GRUBB, award-winning author of Just Like Click "This book is a must-read for every middle-grade teacher . . . The connections between adventure, country, culture, animals, and eco-preservation are intricately woven into a thrilling adventure and reflect my entire grade 6 and 7 curriculum." —NADINE STOFER, middle-grade teacher, British Columbia, Canada. "This heart-warming, page-turner is the perfect blend of animals, adventure, mystery, and humor." —ROB KIDDELL, International Baccalaureate school principal. "Amazing isn't just part of the title; it also describes this wonderful journey around the world in the hopes of saving wildlife and inspiring the next generation. It has family appeal and is exciting to the very end. A must-read for the animal nerds hoping to make a difference on this planet!" —DAVE JOHNSON, (retired) Zookeeper, Denver Zoo As an international educator living in nine countries, I discovered kids often knew more about Pokémon than polar bears, more about mythica