Gr 3-5-Tackling the life of Henry Bergh (1813-88), the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Furstinger provides a satisfying account of an interesting, albeit little-known, figure whose contributions to animal and human rights were substantial. Although he never owned animals himself, Bergh felt a strong compassion for creatures that could not defend themselves. He spent many years of his life searching for a calling without finding a career path that suited him, until he learned of the animal rights work being done in England and decided to replicate a similar organization in the United States. Bergh's creation of the world's first child protection agency is also covered briefly but does not overshadow his work for animal rights. Furstinger creates tension as she describes the vile conditions of animal treatment in the United States and worldwide in the mid-to-late 1800s. Never overly graphic, the full-color illustrations do an effective job of depicting the injustices toward animals, enhancing the story, and evoking empathy in readers. While Bergh's story is engaging, Furstinger occasionally interjects sidebars of relevant information, creating possibly distracting interruptions. VERDICT This suitable biography about a somewhat obscure figure will find many interested readers and is unlikely to duplicate existing collection offerings.-Ellen Norton, Naperville Public Library, Naperville, IL © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From a dramatic opening involving a dogfight through the final chapter detailing the current efforts of the ASPCA, this well-researched biography of the organization's founder, Henry Bergh (1813-1888), contains abundant information illustrating the evolution in attitudes about the treatment of animals. Through vignettes highlighting a range of animals-horses, dogs, sea turtles, cows, pigeons, circus elephants-Furstinger (The Forgotten Rabbit) demonstrates the scope of Bergh's anti-cruelty efforts. A wealthy gentleman and failed playwright, Bergh found his voice as an animal protector in the 1860s, an era when "the belief that animals should be treated humanely was a revolutionary concept." Despite ridicule from the press and Bergh's own contradictory practices-he wore fur, ate meat, and never had a pet-he remained zealous in his crusade. Diverting detours to discuss the press, Charles Darwin, public health, the history of the circus, child labor laws, euthanasia, and other topics provide contextual background. Dejardins's understated color illustrations frankly depict the abuse of animals without being overly grisly, and period photographs, a time line, bibliography, and other resources are also included. Ages 10-12. Author's agent: John Rudolph, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Henry Bergh was a man ahead of his time. In the nineteenth century, cruelty to animals was deemed somewhat acceptable, and ethical treatment was not a common cause of activism. Bergh was the first champion of a targeted campaign against the maltreatment of animals. Though he was seen by his adversaries as meddlesome and emotional, Bergh spoke out against the way that workhorses, slaughter animals, shooting pigeons, and strays were abused and neglected. Part of a broad wave of progressive activism, Bergh's work had implications for public health, urbanization issues, and the political graft that were hallmarks of the era. His biography, which draws connections to more notorious figures of the day, including Louisa May Alcott, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and P. T. Barnum, is a vivid example of life in New York City before the turn of the century. Intermittent color illustrations enhance the text, while Bergh himself, eccentric, devoted, and tireless, will intrigue young readers with his compassion for creatures with no voices of their own.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2016 Booklist