52 pages • 1 hour read
Journey to the River Sea
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Amazon Rainforest • Early 1900s
2001
Middle grade
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
Journey to the River Sea is a historical children’s fiction novel set in the early 1900s, following Maia, an orphan sent to live with distant relatives in Brazil. Maia, along with her governess Miss Minton, navigates her new life on the Carters' rubber plantation, befriends a boy named Clovis, and embarks on adventures in the Amazon while dealing with the Carters' exploitative behavior. The book contains outdated and offensive terms for Indigenous cultures and depictions of colonial stereotypes and racist attitudes.
Adventurous
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Fantastical
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
16,546 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson has been praised for its richly evocative descriptions of the Amazon and its vivid, engaging characters. Reviewers commend the book's sense of adventure and strong moral lessons. However, some found the plot predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s celebrated for its warmth and imagination despite minor flaws.
Who Should Read Journey to the River Sea?
A reader who enjoys Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson is likely enchanted by historical adventure tales set in exotic locations. Fans of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and A Little Princess by Burnett will appreciate the rich storytelling, strong-willed protagonists, and themes of discovery and resilience.
16,546 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Miss Minton
Miss Minton
Maia's mentor and guardian, known for her severe appearance and pragmatic nature, who supports Maia's curiosity and independence throughout their adventures in the Amazon.
Finn Taverner
Finn Taverner
A boy of mixed heritage who represents the connection between English society and the Amazon, offering friendship and adventure to Maia as they navigate their shared challenges.
Clovis King (Jimmy Bates)
Clovis King (Jimmy Bates)
Maia's friend, a young actor yearning for a better life, who becomes involved in the story's identity swap and adventure amidst personal fears and desires.
The Carters
The Carters
A family that takes Maia into their home in South America, characterized by their coldness and focus on personal gain rather than connection with the people and place around them.
304
Novel • Fiction
Amazon Rainforest • Early 1900s
2001
Middle grade
8-12 years
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