Escape Galápagos

Overview

An exciting island adventure story filled with earth and ocean science

Before she died, Ezzy Skylar's mother made Ezzy's father promise to take his two children on trips to some of the world's most exotic places, starting with the Galápgos Islands. There's just one problem: while her little brother Luke is in animal heaven, Ezzy has a paralyzing fear of wild animals. That's why she's aboard the cruise vessel when hijackers take over. Forced to find depths of bravery she never knew she had, Ezzy has to flee across an island with her brother and seek to rescue a ship full of tourists under siege.

Reviews

"A trip to the Galápagos can be the adventure of a lifetime, but for Ezzy Skylar, it provides more adventure than she would ever want... Marine scientist Prager (The Shark Whisperer, 2014, etc.) knows these islands well; she introduces many of their most interesting creatures while showing readers Ezzy's discomfort. On their second full day out, animals become the least of her fears when smugglers hijack their ship... The premise and setting of this adventure are convincing... A suspenseful tour for nature-loving middle graders." (Adventure. 9-13) —Kirkus Reviews

"Dr. Prager is a scientist and an author, so she creates exciting stories and backs everything up with science and an understanding of nature and marine life, plus a genuine love and concern for our world that becomes contagious. [...] Escape Galápagos is an exciting story with a conscience. [...] In short, Escape Galápagos is a great new adventure for your realistic fiction readers and your fantasy readers that like reality-based fantasy." —Rosemary Kiladitis

"Dr. Prager writes fantastic kid-friendly action stories. […] Kids who like animals or any of the Tristan Hunt books will love Escape Galápagos. Did I mention the animals are fantastic? I thought I could reach out and touch them." —Sue Morris

"Before Ezzy Skylar's mother died, her father promised to take his two children to all the places on his wife's wonder list, starting with the Galápagos Islands. There's just one problem: while her little brother Luke is in animal heaven, Ezzy has a paralyzing fear of wild animals. That's why she's aboard the cruise ship when danger strikes. Forced to find depths of bravery she never knew she had, Ezzy has to make a perilous journey across Isabela Island with her brother and a boy she met on the ship to rescue all aboard and save the animals of the Galápagos. (from back cover) Opening Lines: She lay low behind the castle. The darkly primeval creature appeared huge. Its skin was thick, black, and leathery. Why I like this book: Ezzy, her brother Luke, and her dad are on their first trip from her mother's "wonder list." The Galápagos Islands are not Ezzy's idea of the perfect vacation spot. Her father and younger brother are having a terrific time. Not so much so Ezzy; she is terribly afraid of wild animals. On these islands, animals roam freely and are not afraid of people. Ezzy does her best to adapt, or at least look like it, but with the iguanas frequently sneezing salt-boogers, crabs crawling under foot, and the penguins—she actually likes the penguins. The one morning her father allows her to stay behind on the ship poachers embark, capture the crew, and use the cover of naturalists to collect various animals. Forced to help the animals the "crew of naturalists" injured, Dad stays aboard the ship while the kids go on the required morning excursion. When these poachers are finished what will happened to everyone aboard ship? Ellen Prager, Dr. Ellen Prager, is a marine biologist. For a scientist who is usually past her ears in seawater, Dr. Prager writes fantastic kid-friendly action stories. Her wonderful explanations about nature, descriptions of animals, and her easy style of writing will keep readers interested far past their bedtimes." — Sue Morris, Kid Lit Reviews 

"... Escape Galapagos is an exciting story with a conscience. [...] In short, Escape Galapagos is a great new adventure for your realistic fiction readers and your fantasy readers that like reality-based fantasy." —Rosemary, Midwest Book Review

Author Biography

Ellen Prager is a marine scientist and author, widely recognized for her expertise and ability to make science entertaining and understandable for people of all ages. She currently works as a freelance writer, consultant, and science advisor to Celebrity Cruises in the Galápagos Islands. She was previously the Chief Scientist for the Aquarius Reef Base program in Key Largo, Florida and the Assistant Dean at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.