Forest Fighter: The Story of Chico Mendes

A picture book that tells the important story of Chico Mendes, who led the fight to protect the Amazon rainforest and demand fair treatment for the people whose livelihoods depended on it

Chico Mendes lived in the depths of the Amazon rainforest where trees grew tall and strong and wildlife roamed freely. From the age of 8, Chico worked with his father collecting sap from trees that could be sold to make rubber. Rubber tappers were very poor and the rainforest was increasingly being destroyed by burning and logging, threatening their livelihoods. Chico knew he had to take a stand. He became a spokesperson for the community, fighting hard to preserve the Amazon rainforest, and speaking up for the rights of other rubber tappers. He won several international awards for his campaigns, but the loggers still wouldn't stop. At the age of 44, Chico was murdered by one of the loggers.

Grippingly written by award-winning author, Anita Ganeri, and vibrantly illustrated by Margaux Carpentier, Forest Fighter tells the inspiring story of Chico Mendes, who was not afraid to speak up for others and worked tirelessly to protect the rainforest. It depicts the incredible wildlife and peoples who co-exist there and shows why it is so important that all rainforests are protected.

Author: Anita Ganeri
Publisher: Crocodile Books
Published: 03/08/2022
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 11.65h x 9.61w x 0.47d
ISBN: 9781623718565
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2022
Publishers Weekly 02/21/2022
Booklist 03/01/2022 pg. 40
School Library Journal 03/01/2022 pg. 122

About the Author
Ganeri, Anita: - Anita Ganeri is an award-winning author that has written over 300 books, including the best-selling Horrible Geography series. Anita was born in India but grew up and went to school and university in England. She now lives in West Yorkshire, England with her family.Carpentier, Margaux: - Margaux Carpentier a London-based painter and illustrator. She is one of the featured artists in Taschen's The Illustrator: 100 Best from Around the World. She works on all kind of projects, ranging from illustrated books to large scale painting and murals, and sometimes even sculptures. She is the illustrator of Darwin's Tree of Life (Interlink/Crocodile 2019).