Summary:
This persuasive book for children discusses the controversial topic of zoos and whether or not the shouls even exist. The book is grouped into sections which each contain a different argument, either for or against the usage of zoos. Such sections include the topics of endangerment, zoos as research and educational resources, and even a mental illness found in zoo animals, called "zoochosis." Each section includes facts on the subject and does not include the opinions of the writer, making this a nonfiction title.

My Personal Reaction:
I thought this book was very informative for readers. There were many topics discussed in the book that even I did not know anything about, such as zoochosis, so I am sure students would be completely fascinated by a book like this. There were also many entertaining pictures in the book for students to look at while reading, which I foudn to be a fun additive to a typically "boring" genre.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Present the difference between facts and opinions. Have students write about what they think of zoos, and decipher what of their writing is fact, and what is opinion.
2. Have students draw their favorite zoo animal on a sheet of construction paper and decorate it. Fold in half to accompany a lesson on symmetry.