The Secret of the Himalayas

The Unicorn Rescue Society #6

by Adam Gidwitz, Hena Khan, Hatem Aly (Illustrator)

The newest adventure in the bestselling Unicorn Rescue Society transports readers to the Himalayan mountains in Northern Pakistan!

When Uchenna and Elliot’s classmate publishes an article in the school newspaper about the Schmoke Brothers, Professor Fauna notices something alarming in a photo. Mounted on the wall of the Schmoke’s living room is a single spiral horn that he’s certain could have come from only one animal—a unicorn! To save these magical creatures—and to  finally  see a unicorn themselves—the Unicorn Rescue Society heads to the rugged mountains of Pakistan.  

Hena Khan, the critically acclaimed author of  Amina’s Voice, joins Newbery Honor-winner Adam Gidwitz for the Unicorn Rescue Society’s most dramatic, action-filled mission yet!

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Audiobook, Humor, Kids

208 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2021

About the author

To read my bio and learn more about me, and find a FAQ, visit:
http://www.adamgidwitz.com/about-the-...

Reviews

[Shifa Safadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely didn’t expect myself to enjoy this book as much as I did! The title intrigued me, and although I haven’t read any of the Unicorn Rescue Society books, this can def be read as a stand alone!⁠
⁠
Elliot and Uchenna land in Pakistan to look for unicorns with a magical horn. They befriend a child named Waleed who greets them and hosts them (Ibn alSabeel aspect in Islam is mentioned) and takes them to the Watcher. What they find however, are not unicorns, but Pakistan’s national animal, the Markhor.⁠
When the evil Scmoke brothers abduct a markhor to test its “magical” horn, the group follows. They realize that through scientific chemical reactions, the horns do help with snakebites (and the origin of the bezoar is explained, which is cool for any harry potter fans out there lol). They rescue the Markhor and the Schmoke Brothers poisoned butler. After realizing they hadn’t found a unicorn, the group presents Waleed and Asim Sahib with honorary memberships to the Unicorn Rescue Society and bid them farewell!⁠
⁠
Waleed is very much a proud Muslim, in addition to being witty and funny! There is mention of the Quran, praying, the Athan, Alhamdulilah, tasbeeh, aoodhu billah, and Ibn al Sabeel (this was my favvvve)! I also loved how Waleed pointed out so many awesome things about Pakistan (including the fact that he and so many others are educated ). The cultural aspect was so nice, talking about the beautiful Pakistani landscape and of course including yummy food like Naan❤️⁠
⁠
I also loved the science, stem, and geography lessons in the book.⁠
I learned so much about the Himalayas and I plan on checking out the rest of the books for my kids! ⁠
⁠
The author’s note by @henakhanbooks mentioned she was encouraged by the co-author @adam_gidwitz to put more of her religion in the book and I have to say, it was so awesome to see!!! I hope more kid lit can include more and more positive Muslim rep❤️

[Sarah B · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is the last book I read in this series. And luckily it turned out to be one of the better ones! And yes, it is mostly a book set outside in nature. In this case it is the Himalayas so they are out climbing mountains.

And searching for a unicorn!

Are the unicorns real? Will their crazy teacher actually find real unicorns after so long searching for them?? You will have to read it to find out...

But there were many scenes in here that I enjoyed: them climbing the high mountain and just trying to breathe the thin air... This definitely brings the environment to life. The bit about the other animals in here, like the vipers. Better watch out! The welcoming hospitality of the natives who live there.

And the bit about trying to find the Watcher was humorous.

So did they find unicorns? I cannot say. You will have to read it to find out. Needless to say they do find something... And they of course have to save it.

I guess this story has a lot less of the crazy stuff in it. The usual stuff is getting a bit old (their crazy teacher yanking them out of class, etc) and not much fuss is made over it.. It does make me wonder do their parents even know? Do they even realize their kids are world travelers in a banged up plane with duct tape on it? Are they always home for supper? I cannot help but wonder.

These stories are entertaining but nothing I would ever actually buy...they are not that good. Well not for me anyway.

It is a nice thing they did at the end of this story. But how will that play out? I have no idea. I do find it a tough bit to believe but I am willing to accept that at face value.

And now after writing all of these reviews I have a HUGE stack of books to return to the library tomorrow!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this, the sixth title in this series, a photograph in a student newspaper sends the members of the Unicorn Rescue Society to mountainous regions of Pakistan. There, they hope to find the illusive unicorns and thwart the Schmoke brothers and their for-pay hunting expeditions. Uchenna, Elliott, and Professor Fauna know there's little time to lose. Fortunately for them, when their plane lands, they receive help from local boy, Waleed, and after they venture further up the mountains, from Asim Sahib, a Watcher closely attuned to the land and its animals. As always with these stories, there are plenty of humorous scenes mixed with high-stakes adventure and rich cultural immersion. As entertaining as they might be, books such as this one surely open readers' eyes to the wider world and just might make them a little more understanding of others and their ways. The illustrations that appear throughout the book add interest to the already-engaging storyline. I just wish there were more of them. I won't be the only one that will be eager to see the next installment.

[Zainab · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and educational read featuring the rugged mountains of Pakistan and magical Markhors.

The Unicorn Rescue Society has landed in Pakistan to uncover the mystery behind a single spiral horn. What follows is an adventure in the Himalyasn mountains for the Unicorn Society.

Young and middle grade readers will enjoy Professor Fauna’s antics and how the characters deal with the situations they encounter.

Pakistan has been represented beautifully through its culture, hospitality, religion, landscape, and people.

An enjoyable and adventurous read! Highly recommend it!
Hena KhanThe Secret of the Himalayas

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Uchenna and Elliott do a report of the Schmoke Brothers, Professor Fauna notices a single shiny horn on the wall of the office. Heading to the rugged mountains of Pakistan to find and save the elusive unicorn before it’s too late. Will they finally stop the Schmoke Brothers once and for all? Could there really be a unicorn in the mountains of Pakistan? This mystery adventure is engaging, entertaining, and will appeal to fans of mythical creatures. Some of the side characters are a little one-dimensional, but the author’s descriptions are vividly detailed. The illustrations complement well the text. Fans of mystery, fantasy, adventure, and mythical creatures will enjoy reading this book. 4 stars, Grades 4 to 7

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

[Bexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful sixth book of the Unicorn Rescue Society series by Gidwitz and Khan. Elliot and Uchenna discover that their classmate has done a school news article about the Schmoke Brothers, and Professor Fauna notices a straight spiral horn in the background of their picture in the paper. This leads them to go on an adventure to Pakistan to make sure the Schmoke Brothers are not hurting the unicorns if they actually found them. Filled with silly misunderstandings and a true passion for animals of all kinds, this is a feel-good book that would be enjoyable for any kid. I'm not sure if the series ended here because the historical epilogue made it feel like it could continue, this does do a good job of wrapping up the Professor's feelings and desires. A very good, quick-paced book for grade schoolers.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so when I received this book as an ARC, I didn't realize that it is the sixth book in a series. However, I am a big fan of both authors and decided to give it a try anyway. I'm not sure if I should've read the other five books previously or not, but I liked this one. Without giving too much away since I have not read the previous books and do not know the back story. An article is posted in the school newspaper and it is noticed by one of the teachers that there appears to be a unicorn horn in the photograph. Unicorns are important, magical creatures, one that the Unicorn Rescue Society is determined not only to see a real one, but to save them. Join the Society and see if you can help save the unicorns.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 6 of the Unicorn Rescue Society. This was a fun end for now as we have not seen a new book since 2021. Hot on the heels of a unicorn, the team is off to rescue another mythical creature and learn more about different cultures and religions. The theme on this one was repeated several times so you could not miss it. The theme: Expect nothing from life but surprise is a wonderful lesson to an entitled person. I love the messaging and the underlying theme of the entire series that focuses on Action over fear for something you believe in. This series is recommended as fun reading with a strong undertone to those who enjoy Magic School Bus or other educational fiction writing. ​

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent entry in this MG adventure series that highlights the magical creatures from different cultures. In this case, the series also introduces readers to the very real endangered markhors, the national animal of Pakistan, as well as glimpses into the culture of the people living in the Himalayan region of the country, all while continuing the adventures of Uchenna, Elliot and Professor Fauna as and their nemeses, the Schmokes. An added treat is the "History of the Secret Order of the Unicorn" included at the end of the book. Sure to be a hit with series fans as well as a great introduction for new readers.

[Randilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book I read for book review committee at my kid’s school. Although I’m still wary of the whole getting-into-a-private-plane-and-flying-across-the-world-without-telling-parents concept, at least by this part in the series, the kids trust the professor. This one felt more like the Magic School Bus, so I was ok with it.

I love how all the history and culture were woven into the story. I learned a lot about Pakistan actually! And I loved when a character gave another his prayer beads despite protestation about differences in religion and said, “Jews and Muslims are brothers in faith.”

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this whole series, which I’ve been reading to my son over the years. This is another solid entry, introducing kids to another culture in an exciting and non-preachy way, and as always keeping it about protecting animals and respecting the animals and humans around us. Great for kids 7+ and definitely something an older elementary schooler could read themself.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG the butler!! I liked this outing for our two little rescue society members. Hunting the elusive unicorn to protect it from the Schmoke Brothers. I'm curious to see what happens next, and if they will find the unicorns.

[Bri Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of our selections for the kids' Summer Reading Club and it was a winner. Fun to read, educational, and full of great messages without being overly didactic. Definitely don't need to read all the other books in the series to enjoy.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly cute book. Gave some in depth geography and cultural differences for the kids while we learned about the Himalayas.

Down fall I couldn't pronounce half of their names nor speak spanish.

[Colleen Aben · Rating 4 out of 5]

In life, expect nothing but surprise. Declan, Eagan and I loved it.

[Melissa the Librarian]

For fans of Kingdom of Wrenly, Dragon Masters, The Last Firehawk (Branches series).

[ELIZABETH · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love this series!

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit more slapstick than I was expecting, but a wonderful representation of Pakistan and Islam. I hope Phipps turns out to be trustworthy after his harrowing experience!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute book series.

[Rumaisa Bilal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise. Anything that talks about Pakistan, I love to read and this one was the best thing ever.
I'm lost for words here now....

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of the Himalayas

In book six of the series the gang is hot on the heels of the Unicorns! With help from some new friends they dive into a new adventure!

[Daniel Pearse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This iteration of the Unicorn Rescue Society finds the squad visiting Pakistan and shares its history and culture.

[MrPrim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got to teach my kid about... nothing. Kind of disappointing.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually like stories about cryptic but this was good

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group through NetGalley.
Book six in this series is a delight. Middle grade readers will continue to appreciate the humor and fun as the secret society continues to search for a unicorn. This time they end up in the Himalayas after reading an article about the Schmoke brothers offering exotic hunting trips. This launches Professor Fauna to bring Elliot and Uchenna on another adventure. Readers will love the zany ways the characters interact with each other and with situations. The story is a light read for upper elementary level readers. The story about the origins of the secret unicorn protection society adds to the series.
Looking forward to the next adventure.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books! These are such great characters. I love the mythical creatures and learning about other cultures through these creatures. I love that Adam always collaborates with other authors to make sure the story authentic and true to the culture the book is covering. The lessons are important. I wish I had these to read as kid but I'm so grateful that I can read them with kids!

[⛅ Sunny (sunnysidereviews) ⛅ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars!

This was the cutest story ever! It is so cool to see different cultures positively represented in Children's books. In this installment, the Secret Unicorn Society kids travel to Northern Pakistan, where they discover Makhor goats and lovely Pashtun culture. Young children will quickly find themselves falling in love with the writing, and beautiful illustrations. Overall, The Secret of the Himalayas is a hilarious and educational adventure story, perfect for kids aged 7 and up!