islands of the pacific

Before Evan's father died, he was obsessed with a Japanese soldier's World War II diary. Now, Evan is reluctantly living with his estranged grandfather, whose past is tied to the diary's shocking conclusion.

"Information about some of the more important and interesting endangered animals of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, including the animal's common name, scientific name, and conservation status; also includes a map showing the range of each animal featured; and a glossary, additional resources, and an index"--.

A scientist credited with discovering more species than Darwin recounts the first major trips of his career, several expeditions to often remote Pacific islands where he found amazing animals, harsh weather, strange local taboos, and dense jungle.

Explains why it was necessary for allied forces to make their way through islands up the Pacific on the way to invading and conquering Japan.