This gripping story of kidnap and escape burns with outrage at damage being done to the Amazon. Carlos’ mother is a member of the Special Forces Group of IBAMA, Brazil’s environment agency, which suddenly makes him a target for ruthless men illegally mining in the rainforest. Taken as a hostage to force his mother to turn a blind eye, he manages to escape and survive with the help of a boy his age, whose life has already been devastated by the men’s actions, even as the world burns around both of them. Powerful and absolutely gripping, this is both a terrific adventure story and a wake-up call for young readers about the urgent need to protect our world. Published by Barrington Stoke, it’s accessible to all readers including those reluctant, struggling or dyslexic.
Carlos's mother works for IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Authority. As head of a specially trained task force, her role is to protect the Amazon from the farmers, loggers and miners who are illegally destroying the precious rainforest. It's a dangerous role and when she upsets some of these land-grabbers, they decide to teach her a lesson by kidnapping her son, Carlos. Taken deep into the Amazon, Carlos manages to escape his captors only to find himself trapped by the fast-moving fires. Will he be able to outrun the flames as the world around him burns to the ground? The terrifying reality of illegal deforestation and the destruction of the rainforest is revealed in this powerful and gripping Amazonian adventure from bestselling author Steve Cole.
Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
“Vivid and visceral, with nuanced characterisation and evocative descriptions that make a global issue feel deeply personal” CBI
Author
About Steve Cole
Steve Cole was our Guest Editor in November 2011. Click here to find out more and see some of his favourite books.
He is a bestselling children's author and lifelong fan of Ian Fleming's James Bond. His other book series include Z. Rex, Thieves Like Us, Doctor Who and Astrosaurs, with collective sales of over three million copies. In other careers he has worked as an editor of books and magazines for readers of all ages. To see more author information click here.
You can see more Steve videos on his YouTube channel - click here.
