Crull, Kelly. Black Mambas, The: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit. Kelly Crull, Illus. Millbrook, 04/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 979-8765627259. GRADES 1–5. OUTSTANDING.
Crull highlights the work of the Black Mambas, an all-woman team tasked with protecting animals from being poached. Kids will be fascinated by the elaborate training regimen, procedures for capturing evidence, and vibrant photography of animals in the South African savannah. The book features an unusual format in that it could be used as narrative nonfiction for younger kids, but the captions, statistics, interactive questions, and quotations from members make it an excellent choice for older kids reading it on their own. Back matter includes pronunciations and pictures of the animals, a guide to the NATO phonetic alphabet, an author’s note, and further information with books and websites. A superior selection for Black history and women’s history displays.
Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District