Parents' Guide to

Looking for Miza

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Gorilla's tale not as compelling as others in series.

Book Isabella Hatkoff, Juliana Hatkoff, Paula Kahumbu Animals 2008
Looking for Miza Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Over half the world’s remaining 700 gorillas live in Virunga National Park in Congo, where rangers try to protect them from poachers, human visitors, and habitat loss. When baby Miza and her mother disappear in June 2007, park rangers and the gorilla that led Miza’s family troop immediately begin searching for them. Miza is brought back safely, and eventually recovers from her ordeal with the help of family members.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This should be a compelling dramatic tale, but flat writing and a disjointed narrative make it somewhat disappointing -- a weaker entry in the popular series that includes Knut and Owen & Mzee. The retelling of Miza’s disappearance and recovery lacks suspense and emotional impact -- though that’s partly due to the fact that no one really knows what happened to Miza. The full-color photographs are generally fuzzy, overexposed, or have a digital sheen, but there are a few standouts: kids will delight in the image of a playful gorilla with its feet in the air.

However, there is much to appreciate in this glimpse of gorilla life in the wild, written by Craig Hatkoff with his daughters, Juliana and Isabella. They describe some of the social roles in gorilla families, the unique position of silverbacks, and the challenges facing family leaders. The appendix offers more information on threats to mountain gorillas and organizations dedicated to helping these endangered animals.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the roles and responsibilities of the members of Miza’s family. How is her family similar to yours? How is it different?

Book Details

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