Dangers lurk at every turn as Armando follows in his mother’s footsteps on the second Amazing Animal Race, from dodging poachers’ bullets to a near-death encounter with a cobra. His passion for protecting the environment heightens as he rescues an injured Siberian tiger, confronts environmental villains, wrestles with his personal response to climate change, and exposes a corrupt race sponsor. Deep in the Amazon rainforest, Armando ultimately unravels the mystery of his mother’s disappearance and connects to the family he always wanted.

Praise for

Armando & the

Amazing Animal Race

“What a wonderful and fantastically engaging story! I wholeheartedly enjoyed the time I spent with this. Your writing is absolutely terrific, and I love Armando, who is such a wonderful protagonist, perfect for a Middle-Grade novel. The story of the race and Armando’s search for his mother as well as his renewed relationship with his father are so well drawn and authentic (and super fun as well as poignant—I love the messages along the way!). The story’s environmental focus is wonderfully handled and super impactful. All in all, you have something very special here.”

—Jennifer Rees, editor of the Explorer Academy series, National Geographic

“Diana Schaffter has crafted a page-turning eco-adventure that draws the reader into exploring issues related to endangered animals, environmental justice, and climate change in an exciting and natural way that also touches the heart. This engaging story will keep children—and maybe even their parents and grandparents—up well past their usual bedtime.”

—Paul Hanley, environmental writer and award-winning author of Man of the Trees (forward by Jane Goodall and Prince Charles)

“If you have wondered how to instill a love of nature and wildlife in young people, here is an answer in a story you cannot put down. It skillfully weaves animal science, geography, the importance of family, personal discovery and courage, and essential human values in a narrative that enthralls all who open its pages … With the world facing existential environmental crises, young people inspired by this heroic tale will play an important role in leading the way forward.” —Arthur Dahl, retired Earthwatch Coordinator, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

“Hold tight for a wild ride with Armando and Granny D on the Amazing Animal Race! … Armando’s summer takes an intriguing turn after he discovers his mother’s race journal, which he uses to re-trace her steps on the treacherous race. Author Diana Schaffter’s impeccable research, sprinkled with “wacky animal facts,” immerses readers in the rich sights, sounds, and people from beautiful and diverse countries. My verdict: read it!”

—Sandy Grubb, award-winning middle-grade author of Just Like Click

“This book is a MUST READ for every middle-grade teacher and will be enjoyed equally by boys and girls. I was hooked from page two. The connections between adventure, country, culture, animals, and eco-preservation are intricately woven into a thrilling adventure and reflect my entire grade 6 and 7 curriculum.

—Nadine Stofer, middle-grade teacher, British Columbia, Canada.

“This heart-warming, page-turner is the perfect blend of animals, adventure, mystery, and humor. It is the book I have always wanted for my school and classroom. It helps fill the gap in the market for a compelling, fast-paced adventure that engages the reader in the world realistically while promoting international mindedness and environmental awareness. The inter-generational aspect of the story also ensures it will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

—Rob Kiddell, elementary school principal; International Baccalaureate evaluation team leader.

This is one of the BEST and most exciting books for children that I have ever read! Diana is an outstanding author in every single way! She writes a book that every child (and adult) I know would want and love to read. Please, get your hand on this book, give it to children you know, and be transported all around the world on wonderful adventures with Armando and his fantastical grandmother! Thank you so much, Diana, for writing this great book!

—Barbara Koluki, Early Childhood Development Expert (UNICEF and Children’s Television Workshop)

What kids say about

Armando & the

Amazing Animal Race

“I liked the suspense and the adventure, and the characters are funny. Granny D’s expressions are some of my favorite things. I like how Armando is courageous, always wants to do the right thing and help people, and how Jinny shares all the animal facts with him.”

—Leif W. (Canada), age 9

“The message I learned from the story was that when things don’t go right, don’t give up because there is always a chance to get to the end.”

—Jonathan (Israel), age 9

“I liked Armando’s curiosity and love for animals. My favorite animal was the jerboa. It’s so cute! I never heard about it before. I liked Brazil and Greenland most. I could feel like I was walking in the rainforest and going on a dogsled!”

—Lily G. (Japan-Canada), age 10

“I did not want the book to end. It was entertaining. I liked the adventures and travel. I wanted to read it quickly to find out what happens in the race. I hope there will be a sequel.”

—Paisley S. (Canada), age 11

“It’s a book where you always want to continue reading. Last night, I was up until midnight reading. I could not stop, and in the end, every question got answered. I liked Jinny a lot because she reminded me of my friend who cares a lot about animals.”

—Junia V. (Sweden), age 12

“The story is very realistic, and I can picture the Amazing Animal Race actually happening. If I went on a race like that, I could see my friends texting me tips, just like Jinny supported Armando. I love the race and its purpose to raise awareness about endangered animals.

—Milly D. (Australia), age 11

“I recommend this book to kids who love animals and enjoy learning about our world. One of my favorite characters is Granny D. She is very funny.”

—Keziah A. (Pakistan-United States), age 12

"This is a book where there are many different adventures, cultures, and obstacles. I recommend this book to children who love adventures and animals. One character I liked the most was Armando. He loves animals and cares for them so much. I hope you enjoy the book. It’s a fun read!"

—Zarah A. (Pakistan-United States), age 12

“I like Armando because he was adventurous and courageous. Granny D’s expressions were funny. I enjoyed the book. There were so many surprises.”

—Revanth R. (India), age 12

“I love animals and enjoyed all the facts about them. I like Granny D because she reminds me of my grandmother. I also liked the relationship between Armando and Granny D and how they learned from each other and helped each other.”

—Danielle S. (Israel), age 13

“It was really fun to read. It has lots of ups and downs and is unpredictable. I read it fast because I wanted to know how all the conflict would work out.”

—Tenisha S. (Thailand-Canada), age 14

“I couldn’t put the book down. I felt like I was actually with Armando the whole time, and the imagery was insane. I could picture everything so clearly.”

—Ayla D. (Australia), age 14

“I enjoyed the many cultures and the entertaining characters I met, and the descriptive storytelling that made me feel like I was adventuring along with Armando. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure with lots of suspense!”

—Carmelo Y. (Canada), age 14

“The story is more than just an adventure. I learned many things from it that I can use in my daily life. The story encourages me to be courageous when dealing with challenges and to look for the good in people.”

—Tamika k. (Zambia), age 15

What parents &

grandparents say about

Armando & the

Amazing Animal Race

“My two daughters are highly discerning readers. The fact that they were both totally absorbed in the story and unable to put it down is indeed high praise!”

—Asha D., teacher and parent of daughters aged eleven and thirteen (Australia)

“Just a quick note to let you know that my son has almost finished reading the book! In fact, he got so engaged that he kept on reading late before going to sleep and waking up earlier to keep reading before school. This evening, I found him sitting on the sofa with wet eyes…he said the book made him emotional. My older daughter also read the book and loved it.”

—Sharon A., parent of a nine and thirteen-year-old (Israel)

“The book has been super-useful for homeschooling my son! It helped bring focus and motivation to his studies, and we’ve had lots of fun researching many of the topics and issues raised in the story around animals and the environment. We can’t travel now, but the story has transported us to discover fascinating cultures and countries worldwide.”

—Arabella Y., homeschooling parent of a fourteen-year-old (Canada)

“My grandson plowed through the book reading late at night and at the dining room table. He was reading the book in the car on our way for a walk. When we reached the park, he said, “Wait, wait. I can’t go yet. I just have seven more pages and want to know what happens!”

—Barb I., grandmother of nine-year-old (Canada)

“We were so surprised how quickly our granddaughter read the book. It definitely held her interest. We loved that it is such a wholesome book that shares about different cultures and concepts that children don’t normally learn much about in school.”

—Belle G., grandmother of ten-year-old (Canada)

“Thank you for the opportunity to read Armando and the Amazing Animal Race, which I have thoroughly enjoyed! With grandchildren aged 9 and 6, I look forward to reading it with them when they stay with me and, most importantly, to discussing the questions at the end with them!”

—Christine B., grandmother of children aged nine and six (United Kingdom)