Jungle Crossing

JUNGLE CROSSING tells of Kat, who can think of dozens of good reasons not to go on a boring family vacation to hot Mexico - including missing her friend Fiona's min-camp. When a young Mayan guide befriends her and tells her of the legend of Muluc, a girl who lived a dramatic life in ancient times, Kat discovers new friends and re-considers her old friendships in this dramatic tale.

My grandaughter loved this book....It was written in a way that she was ready for the next thing to happen...she is looking forward to more

We all have a jungle to cross; of the mind and soul. Jungle Crossing provides the reader a window into the emotional journey in a young girl's life. This, a journey of self realization, comes to life amidst a real jungle. The author's well researched Mayan history is facentating and holds the reader, page after page, wondering what is next. The correlation of this young girl's journey with one of an acient Mayan girl allows us to see that some problems are ageless and solutions are possible. No matter the jungle, physical or emotional, there is a way through it. Sydney has found it. Five stars. I wish I could give ten for sensitivity, research, and writing ability. I will read the book again and I recommend it to young and older than young. Bravo! Stephanie S.

Both my 10 year old daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Jungle Crossing". The story provided a lot of good fodder for us to talk about the challenges of growing up, learning how to stand up for yourself and navigating friendships. In a sense it is an allegory of Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosalind Wiseman. (An allegory that a preteen girl can both relate to and understand.) I initially found Kat to be very annoying, but then realized it was because she captured the preteen/teen behavior that makes me shudder. Amusingly, my daughter had no such reaction. Ultimately it was beneficial for me to explore and understand what was triggering and motivating Kat's behavior. The second storyline of Muluc was very riveting and complemented the main storyline in a way that strengthened rather than distracted from the main story line. It also introduced the Mayan culture to my daughter in a way that made her want to learn more. This is a fun, enjoyable and conversation-provoking read for 4th - 6th grade girls and their mothers and dads too!

In Jungle Crossing you get two stories: one set in modern times and one in ancient Mayan times. 13 year old Kat does not want to go to Mexico with her family for a vacation. Listening to her whining and complaining throughout the first part of the book can nearly turn off an adult reader but I'm sure girls 9-14 will identify with her. She is missing a very important get together with friends, which could mean she would be left out of the group when she returns home. While in Mexico, Kat and her younger sister go on a teen tour where they meet a Mayan tour guide, Nando. Over a period of several days he tells the legend of Muluc, who lived during ancient Mayan times. This story will keep the girl on the edge of their seats as Muluc is kidnapped and taken far from her home. Just as Muluc has to learn to adapt to a different world, Kat learns a lot about growing up in this book. Kat learns how hurtful it is when people say bad things about others, she learns what true friends are, she learns to stand up for what she wants, what she thinks is right, not to judge people by their appearance, and that everyone deserves respect. Girls will enjoy this heartwarming adventure story -- I highly recommend it.