How to Save a Tortoise

by Kate Messner

Bestselling author of the Ranger in Time series Kate Messner continues with the third book in this fun, science-based series about a family dedicated to rescuing animals.

Ana and Sofia's cousins Ivy and Ezra volunteer for the local wildlife hospital as "critter couriers", helping transport injured and orphaned animals so they can get medical help.

Ana has always followed in her twin's footsteps, but ever since they moved to California, Ana has been wondering what it'd be like to try something new--like joining the Makers Club instead of playing volleyball again with Sofia.

Then the cousins get a call about an injured gopher tortoise that's been hit by a car. The city hasn't done anything to make crossings safer for the endangered animals, so Ivy, Ezra, Ana, and Sofia come up with a plan to do just that. Ana has never been one for the spotlight . . . but the tortoises need her!

If Ana can gather the courage to stand up for the tortoises, maybe she can be brave enough to tell Sofia that she wants to try something new.

Genres: Childrens, Realistic Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

KATE MESSNER is the New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books for young readers. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Snow,The Whale’s Tale and the Otter’s Side of the Story, and Axolotl-Ella; novels like All the Answers, The Trouble with Heroes, and Keep the Ghost Light On; graphic novels like Camp Monster; and the Ranger in Time and Wildlife Rescue chapter books. Kate also writes the popular History Smashers graphic nonfiction series and leads the multi-author team behind The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class series.

Kate's titles have been honored with the American Booksellers Association Indies Choice Award, the E.B. White Read Aloud Award, the NAIBA Book of the Year Award, SCBWI's Golden Kite and Crystal Kite Awards and many state book awards. She's a frequent speaker at conferences, schools, and libraries around the world.

When she's not traveling, Kate lives on Lake Champlain with her family and spends her free time hiking, kayaking, and listening to way too many Broadway cast recordings.

Reviews

[Michelle Mallette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy chapter books are a great bridge for youngsters who have learned to read and are ready to leave easy readers behind, but are a bit intimidated by a full novel. To help with the transition, these first chapter books typically feature larger print and short chapters, number fewer than 125 pages, and include a few illustrations. This new title in the Wildlife Rescue series is an exciting story about cousins who help save the gopher tortoise in Florida. Twin sisters Ana and Sofia are visiting Ivy and Ezra for the summer, and are delighted to learn about their cousins’ work as volunteer “critter couriers” for a local wildlife rescue group. When a tortoise is hit by a car, the kids get to work, and learn about all the dangers facing the keystone species. I love how well the information about gopher tortoises is integrated into the storyline, and appreciated the endnotes offering ways for kids to help protect the environment and learn more about gopher tortoises. The story is simple and hopeful, with some tense moments. Adults (mostly women) are present and helpful but not hovering, and when the kids make mistakes, they are assured that it’s okay to err as we are learning. Sometimes overwhelmed by her strong-willed sister, Ana struggles to speak up, and learns to express herself and her preferences. One comment – Jennifer Bricking’s lovely black and white illustrations pepper the book, as chapter heading art as well as full page illustrations. She also did the cover. But there is no credit for her anywhere except on the publication information page. There’s an author bio at the end, but nothing on Bricking. That’s a shame. She deserves credit for her creative work, which will delight young readers lingering over the art and imagining real world versions. In looking at her publication history, I do note she is rarely credited, so perhaps that’s her choice. My thanks to the Grand Forks (B.C.) & District Public Library for including this title in its junior fiction collection.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nicely done story of a Latine family working to save wildlife based on Kate Messner's real volunteer work with van Arx Wildlife Hospital in Naples Florida. The first 2 books in this series centered Ivy and Ezra. This one focusses on Ivy and Ezra's twin cousins visiting from California, Ana and her sister, Sofia. The family is called to transport a gopher tortoise damaged by a car to the wildlife hospital. The girls, Ivy, Ana and Sofia, spend the summer learning about how to advocate for tortoises with construction workers, beachgoers, and even the city council. They also volunteer to walk the recuperating tortoises at the animal hospital. In the end, this is an empowering story about Ana learning to speak up for herself to her louder and more passionate twin. The back matter is terrific, giving kids a chance to learn more about gopher tortoises, a keystone species of the area. But there is also a nice list of actionable ways for readers to become nature heroes. Highly recommend.

[Tweller83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still really enjoying this very cute elementary series and would highly recommend it to any of the younger people in your life who love animals. There are tons of facts about the animals and how to go about trying to change laws and get people to understand about the animals. This one is about a keystone animal and how it helps so many other species in Florida survive. The children were all polite to the adults and the adults did not neglect the children as in so many other books. I have really liked Messner's work and this series in particular I love. Highly recommend.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

HJ and I read this together. The story is cute about twin girls visiting family in California for the summer and they volunteer at a wildlife rescue and learn about and help a gopher tortoise who was hit on a road.

I liked the story and HJ really enjoyed it. We also read the authors notes at the end and learned a little bit more about gopher tortoises. This is a cute series that HJ would like to read more of.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
When a pregnant gopher tortoise gets hit by a car and taken to the wildlife shelter, Ana is fascinated. She and her twin sister and cousin work all summer to make people more away of the tortoises, keystone species in Florida.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a mama turtle attempts to cross a busy road to eat purple flowers, she is hit by a truck. The family gets a call about the turtle and takes her to the animal shelter. The two cousins from California are visiting during this installment of the series. Very nice book.

[Diane Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Save a Tortoise is a warm, engaging, and empowering middle grade story that blends environmental awareness with themes of courage, friendship, and finding your voice.

Kate Messner does a wonderful job of grounding the story in real-world science and conservation while keeping it fun and relatable. The injured gopher tortoise becomes the heart of the story, giving young readers a clear and meaningful reason to care about endangered animals and the everyday actions that can help protect them.

Ana’s personal journey adds emotional depth to the plot. Her struggle with stepping out of her comfort zone whether it’s standing up for the tortoises or being honest about wanting to try something new feels authentic and easy to connect with. The dynamic between the cousins is warm and believable, and the teamwork they show reinforces the idea that kids can make a real difference in their communities.

What stands out most is how the book encourages quiet bravery. This isn’t just a story about saving wildlife; it’s about learning to speak up, try new paths, and advocate for what matters even when it feels uncomfortable.

How to Save a Tortoise is an inspiring read for young animal lovers and budding activists, and a great choice for families and classrooms looking for stories that combine heart, science, and hope.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids were sad there aren't any more to this series