In this stirring young adult romance from award-winning author Margarita Engle, love and conservation intertwine as two teens fight to protect wildlife and heal from their troubled pasts.
Ana and her mother have been living out of their car ever since her militant father became one of the FBI’s most wanted. Leandro has struggled with debilitating anxiety since his family fled Cuba on a perilous raft.
One moonlit night, in a wilderness park in California, Ana and Leandro meet. Their connection is instant—a shared radiance that feels both scientific and magical. Then they discover they are not alone: a huge mountain lion stalks through the trees, one of many wild animals whose habitat has been threatened by humans.
Determined to make a difference, Ana and Leandro start a rewilding club at their school, working with scientists to build wildlife crossings that can help mountain lions find one another. If pumas can find their way to a better tomorrow, surely Ana and Leandro can too.
Topics Family problems. Anxiety. Wildlife conservation. Pumas. Cat family (mammals). Cuban Americans. Romance. California. Homelessness. Endangered species. Point of view.
Trim Size 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
JLG Span Fall
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2024-04-22
JLG Release Date Aug 2024
Minimum grade 9
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
PG High Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
PG High Plus
PG High Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
For Grades 9 & Up
This collection features young adult fiction titles selected for a more content-conscious reading experience. Selections emphasize relatable characters and emotional connection, whether in contemporary and romance stories or more speculative settings. While many titles lean gentler or more comfort-forward, others engage with more serious themes, offering range without unexpected content.