Savage Journey: A Novel

by Allan W. Eckert

Stranded in the treacherous jungle of the upper Amazon when her archaeologist-father dies, thirteen-year-old Sarah Francis struggles with the hazards of the jungle as she works her way back to civilization

Genres: Survival, Fiction, Adventure

Hardcover

First published November 1, 1979

About the author

Allan W. Eckert was an American historian, historical novelist, and naturalist.

Eckert was born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in the Chicago, Illinois area, but had been a long-time resident of Bellefontaine, Ohio, near where he attended college. As a young man, he hitch-hiked around the United States, living off the land and learning about wildlife. He began writing about nature and American history at the age of thirteen, eventually becoming an author of numerous books for children and adults. His children's novel, Incident at Hawk's Hill, was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1972. One of his novels tells how the great auk went extinct.

In addition to his novels, he also wrote several unproduced screenplays and more than 225 Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom television shows for which he received an Emmy Award.

In a 1999 poll conducted by the Ohioana Library Association, jointly with Toni Morrison, Allan W. Eckert was voted "Favorite Ohio Writer of All Time."

Eckert died in his sleep on July 7, 2011, in Corona, California, at the age of 80.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of books about South America. Most are non-fiction. But this was really a very well researched fiction book from an author that has written many non-fiction books, too. This is the story of Sarah, a 13 year old girl who survives in the Amazon after her archeologist father dies at a remote site in Brazil. The beautiful description of the area as well as the drama of her survival made this a most exciting book to read. Well done, Mr. Eckert!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read. I read this once when I was in high school and loved it. Years later when it came to mind and I wanted to read it again, I couldn't remember the name or author, just the premise of the book. After some searching online, I was able to find it and bought a copy so I could read it again. My kids have read it and enjoyed it as well. A very good adventure story with amazing descriptions and ability to pull the reader into the story. I felt at times as if I was in the jungle.

[Sarah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I ever read!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in 1984. It was originally published in 1979, not 2001.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew going into this book it would be a great adventure. What I didn't expect was it being from a young ladies perspective. I have read most of of his work this is the first one with a heroin.
As you can see, so many other reviews mention how the story has stuck with them years later in life. I can not wait to give it to some of the younger readers I know so they can meet Mr Eckert.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in 8th grade so this is not the version I have ( I actually bought it when the school library had one of those clear out old unused books sales). This book brings to light the amazon rain forest with all its beauty and ugliness in a way that captures your imagination.

[treehugger · Rating 4 out of 5]

i bought this book years ago from a library sale and loved it. i have read it at least 3 times

[Micnear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book when I was 12, it left a lasting impression.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good adventure book. Mr. Eckert always delivers a well researched tale.

[Mj · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. couldn't put it down. great book for pre-teens and teens too.