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Jess
When ten-year-old Jess McConnell meets a new friend on her trip to the ancient Maya ruins in Belize, she is invited on an eco-adventure and makes some real discoveries--about the dangers in the Belizean jungle, about the people who have lived there since long ago, and about herself.
128 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2005
About the author
Mary Casanova
50 books211 followersMary Casanova is an award-winning children's author of novels and picture books. Many of her books stem from her life on the Minnesota-Canadian border; yet some of her stories have taken her as far away as France, Norway, and Belize for research. Whatever the setting for her books, Casanova writes stories that matter--and stories that kids can't put down.
Her book awards include: American Library Association "Notable," Aesop Accolades by the American Folklore Society, Parents' Choice "Gold" Award, Booklist Editor Choice, and two Minnesota Book Awards. Her books frequently land on state children's choice book master lists across the country. "The greatest reward for me," Casanova states, "is when a young reader tells me she or he loves one of my books. For me, it's all about communicating writer-to-reader through a character and story."
Casanova grew up in a family of ten children in St. Paul, Minnesota. In a bustling camp-like atmosphere, Casanova found that writing became her voice. "Words are my paintbrush," she explains, "my way of exploring the world around me."
Now, with 19 books published and many more under contract and forthcoming, she divides her time between writing and traveling. Nationally and internationally, at schools and conferences, Casanova shares her love of writing and reading with children and adults.
Her newest novel, The Klipfish Code, makes use of Mary's on-site research in Norway. The story explores an important facet of Norwegian history through the experiences of Marit, a 12-year-old Norwegian girl who finds a way to fight against the 5-year Nazi occupation of Norway. Marit and her brother Lars are separated from their parents (who are working for the Resistance) and sent to live on an island with their gruff grandfather and school teacher aunt. During the course of the story, Marit's aunt is one of the Norwegian school teachers that gets sent to a concentration camp for refusing to integrate Nazi propaganda into her classroom. With potential danger waiting every turn, Marit finds a way to help the Resistance and eventually reunite her family.
Mary's series, Dog Watch (Simon and Schuster) is based on her northern Minnesota village where dogs are allowed to roam free—as long as they don't get in trouble. If they get in trouble, they earn a sticker on their page at the village clerk's office; too many stickers and a trouble-making dog must remain at home. "I never know where the next story will come from. It’s a delight when the stories come right from this corner of the world I call home." She makes her home in a 100-year old house on Rainy Lake with her husband, Charles, and their three "above average" dogs and spends free time with their horses, Jay and Midnight.
Her book awards include: American Library Association "Notable," Aesop Accolades by the American Folklore Society, Parents' Choice "Gold" Award, Booklist Editor Choice, and two Minnesota Book Awards. Her books frequently land on state children's choice book master lists across the country. "The greatest reward for me," Casanova states, "is when a young reader tells me she or he loves one of my books. For me, it's all about communicating writer-to-reader through a character and story."
Casanova grew up in a family of ten children in St. Paul, Minnesota. In a bustling camp-like atmosphere, Casanova found that writing became her voice. "Words are my paintbrush," she explains, "my way of exploring the world around me."
Now, with 19 books published and many more under contract and forthcoming, she divides her time between writing and traveling. Nationally and internationally, at schools and conferences, Casanova shares her love of writing and reading with children and adults.
Her newest novel, The Klipfish Code, makes use of Mary's on-site research in Norway. The story explores an important facet of Norwegian history through the experiences of Marit, a 12-year-old Norwegian girl who finds a way to fight against the 5-year Nazi occupation of Norway. Marit and her brother Lars are separated from their parents (who are working for the Resistance) and sent to live on an island with their gruff grandfather and school teacher aunt. During the course of the story, Marit's aunt is one of the Norwegian school teachers that gets sent to a concentration camp for refusing to integrate Nazi propaganda into her classroom. With potential danger waiting every turn, Marit finds a way to help the Resistance and eventually reunite her family.
Mary's series, Dog Watch (Simon and Schuster) is based on her northern Minnesota village where dogs are allowed to roam free—as long as they don't get in trouble. If they get in trouble, they earn a sticker on their page at the village clerk's office; too many stickers and a trouble-making dog must remain at home. "I never know where the next story will come from. It’s a delight when the stories come right from this corner of the world I call home." She makes her home in a 100-year old house on Rainy Lake with her husband, Charles, and their three "above average" dogs and spends free time with their horses, Jay and Midnight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 7, 2026
"Most of the Maya sites are still buried under hundreds of years of soil and trees. So many undiscovered sites . . . so many untold mysteries."Jess couldn't believe her luck - a whole trip to Belize with her parents so they can explore, catalog and study ancient Mayan culture. And while she's committed to keeping up with her schoolwork and exploring as much as she can, Jess soon realizes that there's a very big drawback to the situation.
Luckily one of the local guides has a daughter, Sarita, for her to play with and get to know...and soon the two girls go on grand adventures across Belize...but the good times last for only so long.
"Having a spider monkey to talk to was great, but I missed having someone my own age - and my own species! - to hang out with."
Whew! This is the first book from the Girl of the Year series to be set outside of the United States and I quite liked it.
I screamed. "Sarita!" Instead of filling my lungs with air, I choked on water and went under.
The beginning did feel a bit middling - there were interesting bits but not enough for me.
That being said, once we met Sarita and the real adventure started - wow did things pick up! Furthermore that ending? I was glued to the pages!
I did rather like how this book emphasized various aspects of the Belize culture - showing different ways of life and customs to Jess without the author making it seem like a flat "educational" book. I liked getting to know Sarita's family and home, and comparing it to what it's like to live on a dig site. Fascinating!
The end of the book has an extra section that talks about a real girl who goes on digs with her family. That was one of the coolest bits about the book!
June 21, 2020
I read this ages ago, but I still remember how awesome it was! The tropical setting in Belize was so intriguing and I loved reading about the ancient ruins there. I’m still a sucker for the American Girl books, even though I outgrew them a while ago.
March 17, 2013
This is a meaty little book, full of adventure and a lot about a brand new country you don't see often in books - Belize. I loved getting to know Jess and think it's a real shame that there aren't more books to this story. I would love to follow her journey much farther.
March 2, 2026
Read a portion of this standalone American Girl book before my trip to Belize and the remainder after my return. So many references to things we saw and experienced: howler monkeys, Mayan ruins, allspice tree with numbing properties, the give-and-take tree. Really enjoyed this one.
June 16, 2024
The first in the series to go out of the US and really focus on something unique.
January 10, 2021
I love. American girl and making books for the background of the girls
May 27, 2026
4⭐️
Fun light read!
We follow Jess, who is on a trip in Belize. We get to see her adventures and explore the lush area with her. It truly is a once in a lifetime journey as we watch Jess discover things about Belize and the Mayan ruins, and also about herself.
Overall it was a fun book that kept me entertained. I liked learning about the different artifacts and just facts in general about Belize. I feel like Belize is not a place that is written about often.
The only thing that prevented this book from being a 5 star was the logic part. I don't know about you, but I would not let my kid go off with random strangers in a foreign country. Maybe that's just me though and everything is really chill in Belize🤷♀️
Fun light read!
We follow Jess, who is on a trip in Belize. We get to see her adventures and explore the lush area with her. It truly is a once in a lifetime journey as we watch Jess discover things about Belize and the Mayan ruins, and also about herself.
Overall it was a fun book that kept me entertained. I liked learning about the different artifacts and just facts in general about Belize. I feel like Belize is not a place that is written about often.
The only thing that prevented this book from being a 5 star was the logic part. I don't know about you, but I would not let my kid go off with random strangers in a foreign country. Maybe that's just me though and everything is really chill in Belize🤷♀️
May 14, 2009
This is a book in the American Girls series. It is very uncomplicated and easy to read. I think young readers would enjoy the story, but third grade and up will probably find it too simplistic. I was also annoyed by the portrayal of this character as a "homeschooler". I was hoping for a story to hand out to homeschooled children that they could relate too, since most American Girl stories rely heavily on plots that center around school and friends they meet there. Jess isn't really homeschooled, she just takes her assignments from school with her on a three month trip. This is small and petty - but as I said, I read it hoping for more of a homeschooling setting. Overall, the book isn't terrible, but it is paperback fiction - predictable.
July 14, 2017
My favorite of the American Girl Today books. Young readers learn a fair amount about Belize, archaeology and the Mayans and experience Jess's wide range of emotions as she takes part in a unique and exciting adventure.
January 21, 2015
It's as good as I've come to expect from the American Girl books. This one has the theme archaeology, as usual with a 10 year old spin. I like that they address the issue of tomb robbers. There was enough adventure to keep interest without getting to fantastic to be believed.
May 30, 2019
Back in the day, my sister and I were thrilled to read this book, because we had never before encountered a homeschooled character in a mainstream novel. Jess was only a nontraditional student while accompany her parents on their archaeology trip in Belize, but when it's 2006 and you've never seen homeschooling represented in popular culture, you take what you can get.
I reread this for the nostalgia, and I enjoyed it. The plot is predictable, and the central character conflict is that Jess wants her family to stop thinking of her as the "baby," but even though these weaknesses keep the book down to the level of other modern-day American Girl novels, the setting is well-drawn and interesting, and I enjoyed seeing how well the author wove in atmospheric and cultural details. This book is far more unique and educational than the average girl-of-the-year novel, and I can see why I enjoyed it so much thirteen years ago. Even though I have no interest in owning this, I am glad that I had the chance to read it again while my library still has copies.
I reread this for the nostalgia, and I enjoyed it. The plot is predictable, and the central character conflict is that Jess wants her family to stop thinking of her as the "baby," but even though these weaknesses keep the book down to the level of other modern-day American Girl novels, the setting is well-drawn and interesting, and I enjoyed seeing how well the author wove in atmospheric and cultural details. This book is far more unique and educational than the average girl-of-the-year novel, and I can see why I enjoyed it so much thirteen years ago. Even though I have no interest in owning this, I am glad that I had the chance to read it again while my library still has copies.
July 6, 2022
I really liked this book. I think Jess is a really interesting girl and her story was super cool. I love when American Girl stories are set outside the country. It gives such adventure and spirit to the stories. Jess was such a sweet and lovable girl. She didn’t do anything to make me mad or get on my nerves (which sometimes happens with 10 year olds). She was mature and adventurous. I loved the storyline of archaeology digs and eco-adventures. (SPOILER) I also cannot believe they had her find human sacrifice remains. American Girl is crazy for that (in a good way). Overall, I liked this one a lot.
May 17, 2024
While I’ve read all of the historical American Girl books, haven’t read a ton of the Girl of the Year books. I thought this was good for what it was but I could have read more. Or even another book. I will also say that I picked up this book because my own daughters are Japanese American, but that seemed more like a foot note in this story. Not that it needed to be her whole identity, but with so few Asian Americans represented in the AG world I’m a bit disappointed.
Still a very informative story and memorable.
Still a very informative story and memorable.
July 22, 2020
I feel like I remember reading some of it, or flipping through it before. But not really reading it whole. I liked it then, and I love it even more now. While yes, some aspects may seem far fetched for a story about a 10 year old, they were told in a way that felt sensible, and had a realistic style to them. It was a very enjoyable read.
February 16, 2020
Jess has always been one of my favorites of the GOTYs. Her story is sure to be enjoyable to both AG fans and kids just looking for a standalone book. Unique concept, likable characters, nice illustrations.
December 4, 2023
This is an excellent book for 9 to 12 year olds. It is simply told and touches on feelings that are common as kids are dealing with siblings and as they work to be seen as ready to deal with more. It touches briefly on issues around archeology and on different natural wonders.
February 24, 2026
This is a pretty solid cute book for young readers about a main character who gets to live in Belize and homeschool with her parents while assisting at an archeological dig. I think it encourages readers to explore cultural differences and expand worldviews.
August 31, 2017
It was heart warming about friendship and adventure. Jess and Sarita bring a brilliant view of the mayas sites.
November 8, 2017
A fun read with lots of adventure!
February 28, 2022
This book is the reason I studied Pre-Columbian art lololol
October 2, 2025
reminds me of kanani
April 21, 2026
Fantastic story and Jess is such a good main character!
Read
August 31, 2026respectfully, *most* of the adults in the book kinda suckkkkkkk (imo)
July 31, 2026
A well-written, fun book with interesting peeks into a world I’ve never known a whole lot about. The characters felt real and I enjoyed it!
October 22, 2022
This was...fine, I guess. Jess as a character didn't leave a particularly strong impression on me. The setting of an archaeological dig in Belize was unique but that was about it.
March 14, 2010
Jess McConell is about to start an adventure right when she steps off the plane on to the land of Brazil. Jess`s parents are archiologists and are trying to discover the ancient Mayan ruins. This is Jess`s first time being home-schooled and being away from the United States (well never mind her parents are archiologists so she has been to many places.) The reason why I gave this book only three stars is because it was a little bit too challenging for me to read. Many of the words were different and I never have been to thrilled with the whole archiologists thing. So overall this book was not the best if you ask me. I would choose something more less challenging.
February 17, 2016
This is one of the American Girls series of books, but is not part of any of the standard series.
Jess is 10 years old and her parents have taken her to the country of Belize. Her parents are archaeologists and they are exploring Mayan ruins.
Jess finds that she has to get used to a country that is very different, weather that is a lot hotter, and a jungle that can hide some very nasty surprises. She makes friends there, though, and even ends up helping to raise a baby parrot. She learns about the country's culture, both it's good and its bad.
She and her friend Sarita even end up managing to make their own important archaeological discovery, although it's sort of by accident.
Jess is 10 years old and her parents have taken her to the country of Belize. Her parents are archaeologists and they are exploring Mayan ruins.
Jess finds that she has to get used to a country that is very different, weather that is a lot hotter, and a jungle that can hide some very nasty surprises. She makes friends there, though, and even ends up helping to raise a baby parrot. She learns about the country's culture, both it's good and its bad.
She and her friend Sarita even end up managing to make their own important archaeological discovery, although it's sort of by accident.
February 28, 2008
American Girl books are great. I don't think I ever read them growing up, but I'm enjoying them now. I love learning about the different time periods and "cultures" of the times in an easy to read format. With little kids constantly interrupting everything I do, it's nice to be able to learn some history without carefully studying.
July 13, 2010
I basically read this book because I am planning a trip to Belize. I grew up reading American Girl books, and when I discovered that there was one about a girl from Michigan traveling to Belize, I knew I had to read it! This is a very cute and also informative book, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a light read, child or adult.
September 19, 2016
I was never one to buy the Girl of the Year doll (except Mia because I love her), but I always read the stories. Jess's is a particular favorite of mine. I love to travel, and getting to study on an archeological dig site sounds fascinating. Good story, good characters, and still has a place on my bookshelf. Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews