Description

From the author of The Bully Book comes a timeless story about a young boy, his father, and the world that comes between them, which New York Times–bestselling author Peter Lerangis called "magical, mysterious, fresh, original, and full of heart."

Marlin is not slow, or mute; what he is is a stutterer, and that makes it impossible for him to convince people otherwise. What he is also is a Rackham: the younger son of the world-famous explorer Ronan Rackham, the owner and proprietor of the Zoo at the Edge of the World, a resort where the well-to-do from all over the globe can come to experience the last bit of the wild left at the end of the nineteenth century.

In order to impress a powerful duke who comes to visit the zoo, Marlin's father ventures into the jungle and brings back a mysterious black jaguar, the only one in captivity. Everyone is terrified of it, including Marlin—until one night, when the jaguar confers upon him a powerful gift. Soon, Marlin finds himself with a difficult choice to make and, finally, something to say. If only he can figure out how to say it.


  • Finding Your Voice: Marlin has always been defined by his stutter. But when a magical jaguar gives him the ability to talk to animals, he finally has something to say—if he can find the courage to speak.
  • Jungle Adventure: Set in a sprawling zoo on an ancient pyramid in 19th-century South America, this story is filled with the thrills and dangers of the wild.
  • Animal Fantasy: When the zoo’s majestic and terrifying black jaguar speaks to Marlin, it unlocks a secret world where all animals have a voice, and a powerful friendship is forged.
  • Complex Family Dynamics: Marlin must navigate his relationship with his larger-than-life explorer father and his cruel older brother, learning that family can be as wild and dangerous as any jungle.

About the author(s)

Eric Kahn Gale is the author of The Bully Book, his first novel. He lives in Chicago.

Reviews

Praise for The Bully Book: “A gripping debut novel. A layered and attention-grabbing mystery. Gale’s accounts of bullying are subtle and chilling, but readers will finish the book believing that the humiliations Eric suffers can be conquered.” - Publishers Weekly

“A compelling and unusual look at a complex and intractable problem that succeeds admirably as story as well.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Fast paced, with strong character voice in the writing. Great for discussion.” - School Library Journal

“A killer jaguar, a zoo on a pyramid, a boy with a stutter who can talk to animals—this powerhouse novel doesn’t only tread the line between fantasy, action/adventure, and historical fiction, it dances on that line with wild abandon. Magical, mysterious, fresh, original, and full of heart, Eric Kahn Gale’s The Zoo at the Edge of the World will keep you at the edge of your seat.” - Peter Lerangis, New York Times-bestselling author of The Seven Wonders and The 39 Clues series

“Magical, mysterious, fresh, original, and full of heart, Eric Kahn Gale’s The Zoo at the Edge of the World will keep you at the edge of your seat.” - Peter Lerangis, New York Times-bestselling author of The Seven Wonders and The 39 Clues series

“Being able to talk to animals would be my favorite superpower ever, and the Zoo at the Edge of the World would be my favorite place to use it.” - Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan

“As Marlin communicates with the animals, Gale explores the complicated issues of animal captivity with intelligence and heart. Beautiful and fully absorbing.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Well-paced action, a complex-but not too complicated-plot, healthy doses of suspense, and a wild, well-developed cast of characters (human and animal) make this an enjoyable page-turner.” - School Library Journal

More by Eric Kahn Gale

More Bullying

More Social Themes

More Juvenile Fiction

More School & Education

More Friendship

More Family

More Cats

More Animals

More Fantasy & Magic

More Zoos

More New Experience

More Pets

More Historical