In Jungle of Bones, Ben Mikaelsen tells a fast paced adventure story that is filled with well developed characters. The conflicts between the characters add to the story. Readers learn many facts about World War II, race car driving, and life in the jungles of Papua New Guinea while simultaneously observing the main character, Dylan Barstow.
Dylan is a teenager who is struggling with the loss of his father. He was killed in action while being a war correspondent in Darfur, Sudan. Dylan cannot control his anger and blames everyone but himself for the things that go wrong. As a result, he is unwilling to act appropriately. Dylan is obnoxious to his mother and exhibits extreme reckless behavior. After numerous arrests, Dylan’s mother is forced to send Dylan to his Uncle Todd’s for the summer.
Uncle Todd’s solution is to take his nephew to Papua New Guinea. They will be joining a few others in order to search for the wreckage of Dylan’s grandfather’s old military plane. The B-17 bomber was shot down during World War II. They use Dylan’s grandfather’s journal as a map. Uncle Todd’s advice is not heeded. Despite Uncle Todd’s military training and disciplined approach, Dylan continues to remain aloof and self-centered. Early on, Uncle Todd says, “You won’t need your headphones anymore. You use them to tune out the world, and this summer is all about discovering the world.” (Page 26)
In Papua New Guinea, Todd and Dylan meet up with their team that includes Allen Jackson, a survival expert, Gene Cooper, the leader of the expedition; and Quentin Cooper, a teenager. As they travel into the jungle, Dylan begins to realize the importance of listening. He should have taken the malaria pills, packed correctly, and listen to adults’ advice. When Dylan intentionally becomes separated from the group, he regrets his choices and comes to grip with the fact that he has to act responsibly in order to survive. Dylan does not want to die alone in the jungle. His desire to live causes him to observe the world around him.
“For the first time he really noticed the strange world in which he was lost. Heavy beards of some kind of moss hung from the branches and vines. Flowers with blazing colors and strange shapes blossomed among the deadfall. Everywhere new growth sprouted, green buds, things alive and fresh, shoots and vines beginning life. But there were also decay and rot, things dead or dying. With the heat and moisture, trees probably decayed in weeks. That was the cycle of life. What bothered Dylan was the thought that he might soon be part of the dead-or-dying segment of the cycle.” (page 122)
Connecting with Dylan’s character may be difficult for some. His selfish and disrespectful behaviors as well as intense anger issues do not make him a likeable character. Nevertheless, teenage readers will be able to relate to his rebellious nature and his desire to buck authority. His character growth and desire for change are positive attributes. Many of his thoughts and words may provide support for teenagers who may be struggling to connect with others. “But again and again complete strangers had helped their team. During the last week, Dylan had come to feel that he was the one who was uncivilized. He was the one whose world was all screwed up.” (pg. 180)
If you haven’t read any of Ben Mikaelsen‘s chapter books, I encourage you to start now. His most recent book, Jungle of Bones, would be a great start. Leave a comment and you become eligible for the giveaway.
In exchange for an honest review, I received a complimentary copy of Jungle of Bones.
Book Giveaway
Anyone who leaves a comment on this blog by Sunday, April 6 will be eligible for a book giveaway. The randomly selected winner will be sent an autographed copy of Jungle of Bones by the author.
Check out Ben’s Impressive List of Book Awards:
Rescue Josh McGuire 1991
- International Reading Association Award
- North Dakota Flicker Tale Book Award
- Western Writers Golden Spur Award
- Nebraska Golden Sower Award
- California Young Reader Medal
- Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award
Sparrow Hawk Red 1993
- California Young Reader Medal
Stranded 1995
- Maryland Children’s Book Award
Petey 1998
- Western Writers Golden Spur Award
- ALA Notable Book
Touching Spirit Bear 2001
- North Dakota Flicker Tale Book Award
- Nautilus Award For Young Adult Literature
- California Young Reader Medal
- Nevada Young Reader Medal
- Wisconsin Golden Archer Award
- Florida Sunshine State Award
- Nebraska Golden Sower Award
- Minnesota Maude Hart Lovelace Award
- Wyoming Soaring Eagle Award
RED MIDNIGHT 2002
- Nevada Young Reader Medal
- IRA Notable Book for a Global Society
TREE GIRL 2004
- IRA Teacher Choice List
I did not have space to include the lengthy list of nominated awards.
Related Blogs:
Q & A With Laura DeBruce, Author of The Riddle of Prague
Q & A With Frank Nappi, Mickey Tussler Series
Multicultural Picture Book- Benjamin of Tudela
Time Traveling Back to the Dreyfus Affair
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