Jaguar (Thunder Cave, 2)

I taught 6th grade science for years, and used this novel in my Exploratory Science class. I just attended the graduation of one of my former classes, and one of the first questions I got from a recent graduate was—"Mr. Wire, do you still read the book about the Jaguars??" Students LOVE this book. It incorporates both science and social studies, and is appropriate for school… there is a little violence, and one very subtle reference to prostitution when it discusses exploitation of the natives, but my 6th graders never raised an eyebrow. So many good life lessons… Jake's contentious relationship with his father will model many student's backgrounds, his relationship with his grandfather who struggles with memory will connect with lots of students, and Jake's adolescent enthusiasm for adventure just leaps off the pages. I read this book perhaps 20 different times with classes, and I never got sick of it. Roland Smith also did his research. Scholarly articles have come out in the past 5 years to support the idea of extensive lost civilizations in the Amazon, and also (unfortunately) the continuing heartbreaking exploitation of the native peoples. This book has held up very well over time, and does not feel dated at all. Highly recommended for classroom use, classroom libraries, or reluctant readers at home.

Jaguar is the first work we cover in my 6th Grade Humanities class. Boys and girls can find in Jake Lanza a protagonist they can easily identify with. The Brazilian rain forest, which provides the backdrop for fast-paced action, opens opportunities for teaching students about bio-diversity and real problems of deforestation. Each year I ask the students to write a book letter to the author, and Roland Smith writes back. My students remember this as one of their favorite books, and always recommend that I use it again next year.

At least one awesome thing happened in each chapter. Vividly detailed settings...I felt like I was there. Animal lovers: beware, several animals die.

My wife and I decided to purchase the first chapter books we remember finishing as children and read them to each other. This book was my memory. What a fun adventure!

Very good story - with a great ending. Had a little violence - but wasn't too much (one of the bad guys sort of gets it). Overall a wonderful story that really has a cool ending that I think offers a great lesson in life.

I first read jaguar when I was in middle school (I am now 26) and still reread the book when I need an engaging adventure read.

My daughter read this book at school and wanted her own copy, she loves the story.

Ordered for school assignment required reading. Received right away. BOTH of my pre-teens enjoyed the book. I even found it to be a good read.