Jess (American Girl Today Series) by Mary Casanova, Robert Papp (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

With her first step off the airplane and into bright tropical sunlight, ten-year-old Jess McConnell begins an adventure. She and her parents are spending five months at an archeological dig of ancient Maya ruins in the Central American country of Belize. It's Jess's first time out of the United States. It's her first time being home-schooled. And it's her first trip without her older brother and sister to keep her company. But Jess is excited to explore a new place all on her own. She's ready for adventure and anxious to discover just who she is.

When Jess meets a new friend and is invited on an eco-adventure, she makes some real discoveries—about the dangers in the Belizean jungle, about the people who lived there long ago, and about herself. The "True Story" section at the back of the book focuses on a girl from Florida who spends every summer in Belize with her archeologist parents.

Children's Literature

When Jess steps off the airplane in Belize, she is about to have an adventure that will change her life forever. Jess and her parents spend five months at an archaeological dig in Central America, taking in Mayan ruins and history every time they step outside. For the first time Jess is home schooled and away from home and the comforts of American life while living in the jungle. During her adventure, Jess meets a new friend, takes care of a baby parrot, and discovers a new archaeological site; but she misses her older brother and sister and friends back home. When Jess goes on a fantastic ecological adventure, she learns the consequence of discovering new archaeological sites when looters come that same night and steal some of the artifacts. Jess is an adventurous, likable heroine—and this book sends a powerful message to young readers: you can discover new knowledge, and change the world in positive ways. This book is a wonderful gift for young explorers, and the last chapter depicts the adventures of a young girl whose real-life adventures are much like Jess's. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-In this new twist to the series, readers meet Jess, who is on an archaeological dig in Belize with her parents. It is a trip of firsts, and the 10-year-old is excited about the adventures that await her. The characters are well drawn and likable, and the print is fairly large. The story line is well thought out and the factual information about dig sites and Maya culture are seamlessly integrated into the text. An afterword, complete with full-color photos, introduces 10-year-old Elyse, a real girl who has accompanied her archaeologist parents on several two-month digs in Belize. "American Girl" fans will enjoy this addition to the series.-Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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