Synopsis of Mountain Pirates A morning hike to look for spots to bowhunt unfolds into a dangerous adventure when brothers Dillon and Chad Townsend stumble onto evidence of poaching in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming where they live. "Mountain Pirates," by Gail Blankenau, is a classic outdoor adventure for children ages eight to thirteen. It sells for $9.95. Dillon and Chad Townsend are brothers ages 16 and 14. They enjoy the outdoors, especially birdwatching and traditional bowhunting, which is part of their Native American heritage (they are part Shoshone). In Hardy-boys style, they try to find out who is killing the animals for money. Interwoven with the action-packed mystery plot, is Dillon's interest in Robin Trowbridge, a girl he has known all his life. Robin is a strong character who loves horses and the outdoors. Robin has a new friend who is interested in animal rights. Dillon would like to get to know Robin better and plans to ask her to the Homecoming dance. He's afraid that her new friend will turn Robin against him. Some people might be concerned with the hunting theme of this book. This book is not for the anti-hunter. Still, most of the action has nothing to do with actual hunting and more to do with solving the mystery. This book deals effectively with the ethics of hunting, and shows that there are no stereotypical outdoors people. Dillon and Chad are actively against poaching activity. They are careful and knowledgeable about wildlife. They care more about being out in nature than they do about whether or not they are successful while hunting. They love the beauty that surrounds them in the wild. Yet, Dillon has a classmate, Randy, who is the type "who gives all hunters a bad name." Children will also learn a lot about commercial poaching -- how it works, and the types of wildlife that are most often poached and why. It also discusses Operation Game Thief, an actual anti-poaching program that relies on tips from the public. "Mountain Pirates" is a good choice for kids who have a high interest in the outdoors, especially those who like to hunt and fish. Small and rural libraries and schools may have more children with these interests and "Mountain Pirates" is in a unique position in juvenile fiction by dealing with hunting positively. Short chapters and high action also make this a good selection for encouraging reluctant readers. Copyright 2001 Gail Blankenau -- all rights reserved.