Gordo by Jasper Cooper
Gordo is a thrilling fictional adventure based on the true event of one of the first monkeys into space in 1958. Gordo, a little squirrel monkey, is the target of several sinister plots. Fortunately, 13 year old Jamie and his cousin Rachel are ready to fight for him. Jamie is amazed when he discovers he can somehow communicate with Gordo and they quickly become great friends. When even Max McMurphy (head of Cape Canaveral Space Centre) becomes interested in using Gordo for his own selfish plans, Jamie and Rachel must act to protect Gordo, but this leads them into life-threatening danger. They realise that drastic measures are needed -