Jennifer Neidlinger

Jangala Jennifer Neidlinger

Everyone talks about the 'barbaric' jungle people living deep within the Philippine rainforest. These frog-killing, kid-snatching, man-eating, savages give little reason for preserving the last remnants of the lush tropical forest that once covered the Philippines. Abby, recently thirteen, has been using these rumors to tease her younger half-brother Matt, and is soon faced with the question of their validity, as they are suddenly lost within the jungle's layers. Despising their family-summer-abroad for her stepfather's business trip, Abby is now dependent on the brother she has to come to resent as they search for a way out. As they unknowingly pass over the way that has been lost to the native and modern peoples they discover an awe-inspiring world of plants and animals, as well as a way of life that once gone, is gone forever. Little do they know that their 'discoveries' could be the last seed of hope to preserve this priceless treasure that will surprisingly open Abby's eyes to the treasure of her own family she now longs to be reunited with. Jangala: The Lost Pass is an affecting 37,400-word, middle-grade novel written from the narrator's vantage point, for young adventurers who want to explore the wonders of the rainforest. Discovery, fun, and exciting activity course through its pages with dangerous encounters, narrow escapes, exotic animals, and, if they're never found...a new family? Written in a fun-loving, adventurous style, this chapter book will impart a love for the rainforest as readers' journey with the characters. Extensive research has been to done to ensure the realism of Jangala's pages making it a great enrichment to an elementary science curriculum.