Book excerpt: In this thrilling adventure by the author of Cayman Gold, a zoologist and his family must fight criminals and save animals in the African wilderness. In this second novel in the MacGregor Family Adventure Series, zoologist Dr. Jack MacGregor again strives to protect the earth’s dwindling resources and endangered animals, this time by pursuing an international cartel that is exploiting elephants in East Africa. The family’s three teenagers, Chris, Heather, and Ryan, become part of the action and help their father find a solution. They team up with native Africans and a seasoned American aviator to save the animals and bring the exploiters to justice. Mr. Trout’s expansive research, meticulous attention to detail, and the story's exotic locales make Elephant Tears: Mask of the Elephant an authentic and fascinating journey for young readers as they visit Serengeti, Amboseli, Masai Mara, and Mount Kilimanjaro. According to Leah Sparks of VOYA, Mr. Trout “respectfully depicts the native Africans and their tradition without glossing over their problems.” Readers learn environmental issues as they follow the adventures and keen insights of the teens in this fast-paced thriller, and they see how the MacGregor teenagers grow in discipline, self-reliance, and respect for other cultures. Praise for Elephant Tears ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM SELECTION SCHOLASTIC READING COUNTS! “An action-packed journey for young adults through the trials and triumphs of wildlife conservation in the African bush.” —Delia and Mark Owens, zoologists, authors of Cry of the Kalahari and The Eye of the Elephant