'Escape Under the Forever Sky' is a true story written by Eve Yohalem that tells the story of a girl who is kidnapped in Africa who survives the African wilderness based on the books she has read about the animals of Africa. After disobeying her mother, 13 year old Lucy Hoffman becomes kidnapped and learns many things about the village people and African culture she has been immersed into. This is a great story for children who enjoy wild animals and vivid diction to describe the scenery and events taking place in the story. ( )

I didn't realise "Escape Under the Forever Sky" was based on a true story until I read the Author's Notes at the end of the book. Whilst I enjoyed the story's premise, I didn't really engage with the book at all, which is a shame as I was looking forward to reading it since it was based in Africa - a continent I have always found fascinating. Written for a younger audience, I feel that the story lacked the drama and excitement that it should have had, and overall the plot was rushed and under developed. This wasn't a bad book, but I think it could have been so much better. ( )

WATCH BOOK TRAILER

Based on a true story, this novel tells of the kidnapping of the daughter of the ambassador to Ethiopia. Lucy uses her knowledge of African animals, her inventiveness, and her determination to survive as she tries to escape and return home

Big Kid Reaction: At the end of the first chapter, I wasn't sure I would like the book. I didn't see what the reviewers were seeing. By the third chapter, I was hooked. The story is not just compelling, but incredibly informative. It has spurred me to learn more about Birute Galdikas.

Pros: Despite being set in a foreign environment to most kids, all teens will relate to Lucy's feelings and the relationship with her parents. This is a fast-paced novel that will appeal to all readers.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.

Lucy's mother is the very busy American ambassador to Ethiopia. Lucy is 13, lonely, bored with official tours and state dinners, and irritated beyond belief at all of the rules that she has to follow in the closely guarded American compound. She's read her books on wildlife so many times she practically has them memorized. She can't even go to the market in the capitol city to shop with a friend! When she manages to escape her driver and protection detail, she is kidnapped and held for ransom by drug dealers in a remote area. After negotiations for her return don't go well, Lucy decides to escape. Using what she knows about the geography, wildlife and plants of the region, she manages to get away from her captors and hide in the wilderness. The reality is that she's a city girl, shoeless and without food or clean water, and there are dangers all around: parasites and bacteria in the streams, disease-carrying mosquitoes, wild monkeys, hyenas, and even lions. Don't forget her gun-toting captors who are tracking her as well! Loosely based on a true story of a teenage girl who escaped her kidnappers in Africa, this is a story of suspense, resourcefulness, and courage! Grade 6 and up. ( )