Devils in danger by Samantha Wheeler

11-year-old Killarney is not an academic superstar and although she has friends, they only seem to appreciate her hair-braiding skills (her hairdresser mother has shared this valuable talent). When strange things start to happen at her Tasmanian home, with loud blood-curdling noises, Killarney seeks to solve the mystery. Unfortunately, she does not seem to have friends to share the discoveries that she makes and sometimes it seems that she is being actively shunned. A connection with a local wildlife expert gives Killarney insight into the Tasmanian devils that have become resident in her community and stirs her to environmental action despite her initial reticence, her own insecurity and the devil’s poor reputation.

This is an engaging story with the main character being outshone by the local wildlife. Killarney though is also charming as the student who struggles with both academics and friendships, and yet has a heart for the devils with the ‘bad reputation’.  With a naïve simplicity and a positive environmental message this is a book to recommend to readers aged 9-13, and hopefully they will appreciate the insights into our own Australian animals. Wheeler manages to do this so well, and the rest of her books with environmental themes should also be devoured.

Themes: Tasmanian devil, Wildlife rescue, Endangered animals.

Carolyn Hull