Although this book was published three years ago, it is extremely relevant today in the wake of Greta Thunberg and climate protests. Like Greta, Heidi is 16 years old and has dreamed of using her passion for photography in high society for the rich and famous. Instead, a school friend introduces her to the plight of orangutans as their rainforest homes are cut down for palm oil plantations. Heidi is appalled to discover an additional link to palm kernel extract or PKE, used as animal feed in factory farming. She joins a multi-cultural group of teenagers committed to investigating and exposing such factory farming and the use of PKE, along with loss of orangutan habitat.
The friends produce a courageous book and Heidi uses her photography skills to create a movie that challenges people to face these issues. Daring impersonations along with quite a lot of mischief make this short book entertaining as well as an absorbing read. The author has thoroughly researched the story and provides websites for further study.
Nova Gibson
Library Manager
Massey Primary School
Auckland