Inspiring young animal lovers to get up close to all different types of sharks and the real-life challenges they face is what Mission: Shark Rescue is all about. This compelling narrative combines fun and amazing adventure stories, gorgeous photography, hands-on activities, fascinating information, and more, connecting the reader in-depth with the animal's real world. Meet real-life sharks and learn about their habitats, challenges, and successes, plus learn how YOU can take action and save these amazing endangered creatures. Gr 4-7-These books provide general background information about the topic animal-largely focusing on conservation efforts. Each title includes interviews with scientists and conservationists, graphics about ways students can get involved in the preservation of these creatures, and information about why pandas and sharks are becoming endangered. The books feature several engaging visual elements: sidebars that resemble comic strips, fact boxes, and large photographs. The images are bright, appealing, and eye-catching. Though the pages are broken up with visual elements, many include dense blocks of text. The photos are sure to engage reluctant readers, but the text itself may be better utilized by those with previous background knowledge. The comprehensive back matter is well organized and great for reports. There are student-friendly print and online resources, as well as lists of conservation organizations and international zoos and research centers where sharks and pandas can be seen. VERDICT Purchase for collections where HMH's "Scientists in the Field" is popular or for schools with active conservation clubs.-Celia Dillon, The Brearley School, New Yorkα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "The books feature several engaging visual elements: sidebars that resemble comic strips, fact boxes, and large photographs....The comprehensive back matter is well organized and great for reports. There are student-friendly print and online resources, as well as lists of conservation organizations and international zoos and research centers where sharks and pandas can be seen.... for collections where HMH’s “Scientists in the Field” is popular or for schools with active conservation clubs." -- School Library Journal . RUTH A. MUSGRAVE is an award-winning children's writer, specializing in marine and animal science. As a naturalist and lucky hitchhiker on scientific trips, she's been to the deep sea, the lagoons in Mexico to interact with gray whales, and more. As a freelance writer and the director of WhaleTimes, Inc., Musgrave has been fortunate enough to share her love of animals, the ocean, and ocean exploration. She is the author of EVERYTHING SHARKS (2011) and a frequent contributor to National Geographic Kids Magazine.  DANIEL RAVEN-ELLISON is a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and guerilla geographer. He's a lead partner in The Geography Collective, a group of educators and geographers who produce books, websites, and events, to inspire kids about the world around them.