Carla and Monica’s Safari of a Lifetime

Written to embrace fascinating areas of science, the ecology backdrop opens the door to natural science, geography and culture through the eyes of students akin the reader. This book is loaded with lessons for an entire semester and creates many ideas for student experiences, discussions and projects. The story was written during COVID-19 quarantine for students and adults to escape and enjoy a virtual safari experience. Carla was smitten with the new boy on campus and Monica’s first week of school was in disarray. But before the two advanced to the next grade, they concocted a plan that surprisingly takes them across four continents. While the explorers have the time of their lives, they also see things they never, ever expected to see, and are forced to confront myths, fantasies, and unforeseen realities. This expository fiction book is targeted for the reader who thinks science is boring, or STEAM and STEM students searching for a read with a twist and intrigued with teachable moments. The story is based on a real safari in the Serengeti of Tanzania, Africa, and is narrated by a popular Tanzanian tour guide. “Mzunguko wa Maisha. Means in your language circle of life.”