Fact Friday: Tracking Pythons: the quest to catch an invasive predator and save an ecosystem by Kate Messner.

Image: Lerner Publishing Group

Tracking Pythons: the quest to catch an invasive predator and save an ecosystem by Kate Messner. 64 p. Millbrook Press/ Lerner Publishing Group, March, 2020. (Review of digital copy provided free through Junior Library Guild.)

Fact Friday features Tracking Pythons: the quest to catch an invasive predator and save an ecosystem by Kate Messner. Burmese pythons are not native to south Florida but they are imported as pets. It seems when interest wanes or the snakes become too big, owners release them into the wild where they breed. That's the theory behind the explosion of this apex predator that eats everything in sight. Ms. Messner explains the work of a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida as they attempt to track, capture and study these snakes. 

The book is beautifully designed and brimming with clear, full-color photos. Readers really get up close and personal with the scientists as well as the snakes. The work is absolutely fascinating! Plentiful back matter include an author's note, a timeline, a list of invasive species, a glossary, source notes, a bibliography, a list of books and websites for further reading/ research and an index. 

Click on this link to listen to the author talk about the book and read from the introduction. This is a great addition to any nonfiction collection and it fits perfectly into my seventh grade narrative nonfiction unit that is built around scientists and their work in the field. I can't wait to add the book to my cart!