Borden's father was put out of work to protect the spotted owls in the old-growth forest near their California home. Borden goes to the forest to kill the owls, so his father can cut logs again. He finds a baby blown out of its nest and takes it home to nurture it, not knowing that it is the hated spotted owl. His dad takes over the mothering since Borden has school and a part-time job.

George has given a strong accounting of both sides of the conservation issue. There are real reasons for conflict, and she does not minimize them. She explains why conservationists are not the enemy the workers think they are. The story is appealing to young readers-especially those that love animals and nature but also for those who don't think they do. George's style takes some getting used to. It seems distant at times because it is based on observations, but the story is endearing and does not lack action.

related-spotted owls, logging, endangered species, parent and child, ecology, conflict resolution
RL=3rd-5th