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.
