March 15, 2017
Mary Tucker is an 11-year-old black girl from South Carolina with dreams of traveling the world, but her father, a museum curator, is dead set against any travel plans for Mary. One day, bored, Mary, her brother, Ike, and her best friend, Helen, end up exploring a part of the museum they never have before and happen upon a travel trunk that Mary figures has been to way more places than she ever has or can hope to go for now. It contains, among many other things, a seemingly nondescript glass globe. Curiosity brings Mary to touch the globe, and what happens next shocks them all: in short order, they feel their feet touching treetops, the globe has disappeared, and they find themselves falling. When they get their wits about them, they realize they are in the Amazonian rain forest--which could just as easily be a dream come true or a nightmare for them. As they work to survive and make their way home, they realize they will need all the help they can get, from others, from one another, and from the rain forest itself. This fast-paced adventure featuring three children who are as quick-witted and daring as they are scared and uncertain is a natural for graduates of the Magic Tree House. A pleasant ride that contains charming educational moments, the book delivers the message that there is bravery and power in unity. (Fantasy. 8-12)
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June 1, 2017
Gr 4-7-A fantasy story about 11-year-old Mary, who yearns to travel to the Amazon rain forest. The beginning of the story is set in present-day South Carolina, where Mary Tucker, her brother Ike, and her best friend Helen play games in the museum where Mary's and Helen's fathers work. When Mary stumbles upon a glass globe in the museum storehouse while trying to evade a dangerous thief, she accidentally transports herself and her companions to the Amazon rain forest. What follows is a thrilling exploration of the culture of South America and the rain forest. Mary is the only character who is developed with any depth. The trio's adventure is fast-paced and emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation. The straightforward plot moves quickly through moments of magic, intrigue, danger, and relief, with pithy lessons about the wonder of nature and cultural respect sprinkled throughout. VERDICT An additional purchase recommended for middle graders who fancy travel and readers who appreciate a strong, independent female lead.-Sara Jurek, Children's English Library, Stuttgart, Germany
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