There's always something wonderful about finding a book that's dedicated to younger readers while still speaking to them like they're smart, aware of the world, and capable of understanding a story like Norbu's Secret.

Norbu's Secret introduces the need to aware of the impact humans are making on the environment in such a way that is digestible for young readers without embedding a sense of dread that leaves them hopeless.

All of the characters are fun, charming, and anyone will find themselves in Lexa's and her friends (and their totally awesome means of transport!)

It's a fantastic book to introduce action, deeper thought, and I would happily have this in my classroom anytime.

Lexa, Will, Jack, and Sage have uncovered the conspiracy at school and, with the help of Norbu and the team from G.A.I.A., respond to threat to the Amazon rainforest after their parents recieve a worrying parcel. Meanwhile, Norbu attempts to avoid notice following his theft of important equipment and continuing involvement in the children's efforts. With the pending campaign to withdraw an environmental protection, worrying both parts of the team, the fight to protect the world escalates.
The children tackle both the systems that undermine them because of age, and their own internal struggles, including frank discussions of climate anxiety. The book honestly approaches different issues without undermining them, and makes an effort to be as PC and polite as it can be, whether that be recognising and supporting mental health, or working for intersectional activism. The author mentions at the end of the book the research they did into groups currently doing environmental campaigning, which implies effort was put into seeing and recognising contemporary efforts to defend the Amazon rainforest and global enviromental health.
I struggled to truly follow the whole plot as, despite the catch-up at the beginning of the novel, a lot of characters and elements that carry over needed the context that was (hopefully) provided in the first book. The age of the four is also unclear and would influence their believability (their language, attitude, and treatment by others) make it slightly muddled as to how realistic their portrayal is. As a result of these factors, I did DNF this book around a third in, and therefore cannot state the overall quality of the story and progression.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a review copy of this book.

Received this book through NetGalley.

Norbu's Secret is an thought-provoking adventure that will resonate deeply with young readers, combining suspense, mystery, and an urgent environmental message. Set against the backdrop of the Amazon rainforest, the novel follows Lexa and her friends as they are thrust into a race against time to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of jaguars, a keystone species of the jungle. Their journey quickly becomes not just a quest for answers, but a battle to protect the very land they hold dear from the destructive forces of a powerful corporation.

Ultimately, Norbu's Secret is a call to action for young readers, urging them to be stewards of the Earth and stand up against exploitation. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable, but the underlying message is clear: even the youngest among us have the power to make a difference. This is what stood out the most for me and what made me love the book. In addition to the strong message of the book, it was paired with determined, empathetic and strong characters.

For young readers eager to embark on a thrilling adventure while learning about environmental activism, Norbu's Secret is a must-read. It’s a novel that combines the thrill of discovery with a deep respect for nature, making it both an exciting and inspiring read. Highly recommended for fans of adventure, mystery, and stories that inspire positive change.

This was everything that I was looking for from the description, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the environmental element to this. The characters were everything that I was looking for and was glad everything flowed well. Dana Klisanin has a strong writing style and can’t wait to read more.