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I Escaped
I Escaped Amazon River Pirates
15-year-old Nick battles pirates, gators, and jungle storms when he's separated from his parents on vacation. From multi-award winning Ellie Crowe and Scott Peters comes a wild escape based on true tales of recent Amazon River pirate attacks. When river pirates attack their ferry in the middle of the night, Nick escapes on a surfboard, along with his family. But the Amazon's wild currents separate Nick from his parents. One minute they're together, the next, he's lost in a deadly rainforest filled with piranha, jaguars, alligators, and giant anaconda. Worse, he's got angry pirates on his tail and a box of stolen gold. Talk about a family trip gone wrong! He wishes they'd never left California. A massive jungle storm hits and he's forced to build a makeshift cover of leaves and branches. As the days pass and he delves deeper into the jungle, Nick must use all of his smarts to survive. Can he find his parents before the pirates find him first? Can he ever hope to escape the Amazon rainforest? This is the 4th children's book in the I Escaped Series about brave boys and girls who face real-world challenges and find ways to escape disaster. Sure to appeal to fans of New York Times Bestseller Lauren Tarshis's I Survived Series and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. The short chapters make for easy wins, and Nick's gripping situation keeps even reluctant readers turning pages just to find out what's going to happen next. Great for kids book clubs and classrooms--a study guide is available at //tinyurl.com/escaped-pirates Packed with a special section on pirates and piracy on the Amazon River sure to satisfy curious minds, including fascinating facts about illegal gold mining, deforestation, clearcutting in Brazil, Peru, and the whole South American region. An adrenaline-charged, nonstop action adventure tale of values and courage. Collect the whole I Escaped Series "a must for every reading list" Can Nick survive disaster? Read it and find out!
- GenresChildrens
126 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2020
190 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Scott Peters
30 books47 followersScott Peters writes action-filled adventure stories set in ancient Egypt and around the world. In addition to writing, the author has created over 300 museum, science center and theme park installations for such places as the Smithsonian, the Washington Children's Museum, Walt Disney World and Paramount Pictures. Peters also helped design an interactive TV show for the Nickelodeon Channel. Be sure and visit Scott's blog at egyptabout.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 18, 2020
This is a marvelous book for school age children. It will hold their interest with a harrowing adventure told from the perspective of a boy named Nick. The book is not limited to excitement though, as it is founded on many true and sometimes tragic facts about the Amazon. The tale may also give children an appreciation for the modern lifestyle they might live. The children must learn to survive for several
days in the jungle of the Amazon, while also hiding from a group of savage river pirates. I loved the descriptions of the Amazon wildlife and also the local people. The facts and lessons at the back of the book provide a way for young readers to make a positive impact on the Amazon region and the world in general. This is an exciting and enlightening children’s adventure that I highly recommend.
days in the jungle of the Amazon, while also hiding from a group of savage river pirates. I loved the descriptions of the Amazon wildlife and also the local people. The facts and lessons at the back of the book provide a way for young readers to make a positive impact on the Amazon region and the world in general. This is an exciting and enlightening children’s adventure that I highly recommend.
February 21, 2020
What a well-written, informative, fun read this was! The authors do an incredible job of making this story entertaining while giving lessons in history, culture, language, and geography. It's so well done, the young reader won't even realize they are receiving an education while reading it.
It follows the story of Nick, a boy who must protect himself and those he loves from a pirate attack. But this isn't a typical pirate story... no, it's about friendship, family relationships, problem solving, and culture. I can't say enough good things about it.
It follows the story of Nick, a boy who must protect himself and those he loves from a pirate attack. But this isn't a typical pirate story... no, it's about friendship, family relationships, problem solving, and culture. I can't say enough good things about it.
February 10, 2022
A thrilling book for late elementary and middle-school children, centered on courage, loyalty, and persistence.
At the end, there is more information about the Amazon, deforestation, and real river pirates, including the disclosure that this was inspired by a real family's escape.
The additional factual information and links, and the variety of suggestions for how Iwe can help reduce deforestation and unethical practices, solidified the 5-star rating.
At the end, there is more information about the Amazon, deforestation, and real river pirates, including the disclosure that this was inspired by a real family's escape.
The additional factual information and links, and the variety of suggestions for how Iwe can help reduce deforestation and unethical practices, solidified the 5-star rating.
September 26, 2024
a few years ago, i read the sample preview for this book on google. ever since then, ive been trying to find it. and finally, i managed to find it on kindle unlimited. and yes, it was worth all the searching 😌
February 17, 2020
This is a fantastic read that I highly recomend! The charaters are vivid and 3-dimensional. The action keeps you in it until the very last page. Check this one out!
March 15, 2020
Mean pirates against witty teenager: a fun, action-packed adventure.
How I escaped amazon river pirates by Ellie Crow and Scott Peters is a well-written and fast-paced teenager adventure that I really enjoyed.
Nick and his stepsister Madison are no great friends – both single children don’t adjust very well to the sudden sibling rivalry after Nick’s mom and Madison’s dad married. To their dismay, the happy couple dragged them along to a yearlong trip through South America, and their current location – a boat on the amazon river – lacks every comfort.
Nick misses his surfing, his friends, and his home – even if some parts of the trip were not all bad. He also manages to make new friends, like Tey, a friendly local boy.
Unfortunately, their boat is soon attacked by pirates, and the family decides to brave the amazon river on their own before to escape a possible hostage situation. From this point on, Nick and Madison – afloat on Nick’s surfing board – are separated from their parents, and they have to brave all kinds of dangers, from flash-flooding, wild animals, endless walks through the forest, hunger… to bugs and poisonous vegetation as they try to make their way to the next village.
But the pirates – believing the children stole from them – are following Nick and Madison. It seems it’s only a matter of time before they are caught unless Nick’s wit and resourcefulness can save the day.
I had a great time reading that book. It is entertaining and fast-paced, but still has room for proper character development. The narrative is straightforward and deceptively simple, easy to read – and still manages to paint vivid images that highlight the action. Well done indeed.
Nick and his stepsister endure hardship, and their relationship changes believably throughout the story. Nick’s decisions and actions are credible, even if it seems that the whole jungle is after him (but that’s the fun factor of the book, isn’t it?).
I especially liked the facts about the Amazon that the authors sprinkled throughout the book and deepened in an extra chapter at the end.
How I escaped amazon river pirates by Ellie Crow and Scott Peters is a well-written and fast-paced teenager adventure that I really enjoyed.
Nick and his stepsister Madison are no great friends – both single children don’t adjust very well to the sudden sibling rivalry after Nick’s mom and Madison’s dad married. To their dismay, the happy couple dragged them along to a yearlong trip through South America, and their current location – a boat on the amazon river – lacks every comfort.
Nick misses his surfing, his friends, and his home – even if some parts of the trip were not all bad. He also manages to make new friends, like Tey, a friendly local boy.
Unfortunately, their boat is soon attacked by pirates, and the family decides to brave the amazon river on their own before to escape a possible hostage situation. From this point on, Nick and Madison – afloat on Nick’s surfing board – are separated from their parents, and they have to brave all kinds of dangers, from flash-flooding, wild animals, endless walks through the forest, hunger… to bugs and poisonous vegetation as they try to make their way to the next village.
But the pirates – believing the children stole from them – are following Nick and Madison. It seems it’s only a matter of time before they are caught unless Nick’s wit and resourcefulness can save the day.
I had a great time reading that book. It is entertaining and fast-paced, but still has room for proper character development. The narrative is straightforward and deceptively simple, easy to read – and still manages to paint vivid images that highlight the action. Well done indeed.
Nick and his stepsister endure hardship, and their relationship changes believably throughout the story. Nick’s decisions and actions are credible, even if it seems that the whole jungle is after him (but that’s the fun factor of the book, isn’t it?).
I especially liked the facts about the Amazon that the authors sprinkled throughout the book and deepened in an extra chapter at the end.
April 20, 2020
I Escaped Amazon River Pirates is a full-throttled, heart-thumping adventure that follows two step-siblings who become separated from their family whilst travelling in the Amazon rainforest. As they try to get to safety they are pursued by gun-wielding pirates, whilst having to contend with the dangers of the hostile natural world around them.
The authors of this book have a good sense of drama; each page is crammed with action and conflict that moves the plot along semelessly. There are only short moments of reprieve, but due to the book's short length this doesn't cause too many pacing issues. Instead, the audience is kept on their toes, and seeing as this book is aimed for young readers, this is no bad thing - this is exactly what makes the book so much fun.
I greatly enjoyed the two main characters, Nick and Madison. Their relationship is initially strained in the way that most siblings are, and throughout the tale we get a strong sense of how they come together in a crisis to form new bonds. Nick tries to be distant towards Madison at first, but when danger strikes his practical, caring and cool side shines through. Madison may remain a brat, but then again what eight year old isn't? My only criticism is of the pirates. With such little contact time with them I found them a little faceless. I would have liked to spend a bit more of the story with them, or at least have one of them named. Then we would have really known who we were facing out there and what drives them.
The writing is concise and snappy and it fits well with the target audience. The drawings of pirates, crocodiles and other animals were nice additions too. At the end of the book we get to see the true moral of the story and the threat currently posed to the people of the Amazon. It is a novel way to educate people on such an important issue that isn't represented so much elsewhere in the world.
The authors of this book have a good sense of drama; each page is crammed with action and conflict that moves the plot along semelessly. There are only short moments of reprieve, but due to the book's short length this doesn't cause too many pacing issues. Instead, the audience is kept on their toes, and seeing as this book is aimed for young readers, this is no bad thing - this is exactly what makes the book so much fun.
I greatly enjoyed the two main characters, Nick and Madison. Their relationship is initially strained in the way that most siblings are, and throughout the tale we get a strong sense of how they come together in a crisis to form new bonds. Nick tries to be distant towards Madison at first, but when danger strikes his practical, caring and cool side shines through. Madison may remain a brat, but then again what eight year old isn't? My only criticism is of the pirates. With such little contact time with them I found them a little faceless. I would have liked to spend a bit more of the story with them, or at least have one of them named. Then we would have really known who we were facing out there and what drives them.
The writing is concise and snappy and it fits well with the target audience. The drawings of pirates, crocodiles and other animals were nice additions too. At the end of the book we get to see the true moral of the story and the threat currently posed to the people of the Amazon. It is a novel way to educate people on such an important issue that isn't represented so much elsewhere in the world.
March 20, 2020
There is a distinctive style to "I Escaped Amazon River Pirates." I wouldn't call it a throwback, a better phrase might be "lovingly inspired." Either way, that wonderful educational, spirit of adventure that dominated media from the 80's through the 90's touches this story.
Peters and Crow's (sounds like a kid's television show) novel succeeds, even despite the fact there is really nothing new here. And that, to be honest, is the hardest criticism I can really throw. We follow two siblings - well, step-siblings, as they will be want to remind you throughout (in of itself, a trope) - Nick and Maddie. These two have been whisked away to the Amazon by their parents, in what reeks of a midlife crisis. Naturally, everything doesn’t go as planned, as the ferry they are on is boarded by pirates. After Johnny Depp…Wait, wrong type of pirates. After a grungy group of not-as-commercially-friendly-real life bandits cause a split in the intrepid group, right down the age lines (trope two), our young protagonists must fend for themselves. What follows is a thrilling, non-stop ride with some surprisingly good prose, and a knack for inserting educational moments without force.
I had a lot of fun reading this. I had even more fun pretending it was a 90's cartoon show. Peters and Crow's book is short, easily digestible, and full of wonderful moments. I am sure kids of all ages will find something to love about it, and thanks to their skilled hand, they might learn a bit as well.
Peters and Crow's (sounds like a kid's television show) novel succeeds, even despite the fact there is really nothing new here. And that, to be honest, is the hardest criticism I can really throw. We follow two siblings - well, step-siblings, as they will be want to remind you throughout (in of itself, a trope) - Nick and Maddie. These two have been whisked away to the Amazon by their parents, in what reeks of a midlife crisis. Naturally, everything doesn’t go as planned, as the ferry they are on is boarded by pirates. After Johnny Depp…Wait, wrong type of pirates. After a grungy group of not-as-commercially-friendly-real life bandits cause a split in the intrepid group, right down the age lines (trope two), our young protagonists must fend for themselves. What follows is a thrilling, non-stop ride with some surprisingly good prose, and a knack for inserting educational moments without force.
I had a lot of fun reading this. I had even more fun pretending it was a 90's cartoon show. Peters and Crow's book is short, easily digestible, and full of wonderful moments. I am sure kids of all ages will find something to love about it, and thanks to their skilled hand, they might learn a bit as well.
March 12, 2020
I Escaped Amazon River Pirates, by Ellie Crowe & Scott Peters, is a treacherous, thrilling adventure story for young readers. This is the kind of story that my son, age 10, would pick up and devour! Any fan of the popular 'I Survived' series will enjoy this 'I Escaped' tale.
Siblings Nick and Maddie find themselves lost in the Amazon in this one, amid a menagerie of colorful wildlife and - yes, pirates! A story packed with action, but also one that highlights teamwork, relationships, and gives insight into the culture of the Amazon. After the story, readers can also enjoy learning facts about the region, as well as environmental concerns and ways they can help.
An exciting, high-stakes adventure that is fun and educational, I Escaped Amazon River Pirates is a great read for middle-grade students.
Siblings Nick and Maddie find themselves lost in the Amazon in this one, amid a menagerie of colorful wildlife and - yes, pirates! A story packed with action, but also one that highlights teamwork, relationships, and gives insight into the culture of the Amazon. After the story, readers can also enjoy learning facts about the region, as well as environmental concerns and ways they can help.
An exciting, high-stakes adventure that is fun and educational, I Escaped Amazon River Pirates is a great read for middle-grade students.
June 23, 2020
A chapter book that brings a bit of Adventure with a twist of realism
Thia book was an adventure from page one. The author drew the reader in with pirates taking over the ship and then went back to give a bit more information on what started it all. This story also touched on step siblings and how they can dislike a situation ( each other) but still overcome trying situations. Lastly, this book touches on the dangers of the Amazon River abd provides some true facts and information at the end. Overall I think children will love this book and the well placed illustrations and facts.
Thia book was an adventure from page one. The author drew the reader in with pirates taking over the ship and then went back to give a bit more information on what started it all. This story also touched on step siblings and how they can dislike a situation ( each other) but still overcome trying situations. Lastly, this book touches on the dangers of the Amazon River abd provides some true facts and information at the end. Overall I think children will love this book and the well placed illustrations and facts.
May 22, 2020
What a survival adventure! This story is packed full of danger, suspense, and tension.
Can you imagine a 15-year-old boy and his 8-year-old half-sister lost in South America along the mighty Amazon river where they encounter pirates, a jaguar, piranhas, alligators, anacondas and an illegal mining camp?
This adventure will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.
I especially enjoyed the black and white illustrations.
There is a wealth of resources in the back of the book.
February 16, 2021
Great book
My grandma chose this one for me. Although i would not recommend the next one in the series i escaped the donner dinner party. But I would recommend this one. I liked it a lot. It gave me some ideas.
My grandma chose this one for me. Although i would not recommend the next one in the series i escaped the donner dinner party. But I would recommend this one. I liked it a lot. It gave me some ideas.
January 12, 2022
Great book to get middle grade boys reading!
April 14, 2022
Brave kids
It was an interesting story but a little creepy. Obviously, the author used references of actual events to build the plot. Well played out.
It was an interesting story but a little creepy. Obviously, the author used references of actual events to build the plot. Well played out.
October 25, 2023
Nice book
I think they should have added more pictures to the book but overall it was a nice book and I hope they make another part with Nick and Madison with their parents
I think they should have added more pictures to the book but overall it was a nice book and I hope they make another part with Nick and Madison with their parents
May 12, 2025
More entertaining than some adult books
February 2, 2024
A family of four tries to escape from the Amazon River pirates. But in a twist of fate, the children get separated from their parents. Nick and Madison are now on their own in an unfamiliar forest. They need to watch out for wild animals and pirates as they try to figure a way out.
In November 2017, a family of four decided to take a year-long road trip. The kids skip school for this purpose. They start the journey by taking a ferry at Iquitos Port, Peru in South America.
Not long into the voyage, pirates raid the ferry. Since they are the only American passengers, the head of the family decides that they abandon ship. Aiden believes that if the pirates find them, they would either be held captives for ransom or killed.
Albeit reluctant at first, the mother and the two kids jump into the river using Nick’s surfboard. Nick and Madison ride the surfboard while their parents swim alongside them. In a twist of fate, the children get separated from their parents. Their parents suddenly disappear from their side. Nick and Madison fear caiman, piranha, and other water creatures attack their parents. But, there’s no time for them to go back and find them. The surrounding is pitch-dark, and they need to reach the shore for safety.
Nick and Madison make it to the river bank in the middle of the night. This time, however, they need to watch out for terrestrial wild animals. They also must think of survival and find their way through the forests. Eventually, they found a community. Albeit skeptical about the residents, the kids approach them, but only briefly. The people suddenly flee to the forest for some reason. And, so Nick and Madison are on their own once again.
Find out how Nick and Madison face the challenges of the wilds. Are they safe from the pirates in the Amazon region? Also, learn about Nick’s important discovery. Read I Escaped Amazon River Pirates.
The Book and the Authors
I Escaped Amazon River Pirates is a fast-paced thrilling adventure for late elementary and middle school children. But, it’s not only an adventure and fun read for young readers. Rather, the book contains important lessons for children to learn. It introduces readers to nature and the environment. Specifically, I Escaped Amazon River Pirates teaches readers the impact of mining and clearing of the rainforests to the ecosystems.
There are at least two things I like in the book. First, I appreciate how the authors presented the issues of gold mining and clearing of forest areas. They do it in a way that does not sound preachy or imposing. Ellie Crowe and Scott Peters gently incorporate it into the adventure factor of the story. Likewise, the language they use is appropriate to their target readers.
Second, the authors provide a bit of information about the Amazon River and the status of the rainforests. They also create a study guide that further promotes active participation from the readers.
Overall, I give I Escaped Amazon River Pirates a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to readers 7 – 15 years old.
NOTE: The above review is also found at Books for All Seasons.
In November 2017, a family of four decided to take a year-long road trip. The kids skip school for this purpose. They start the journey by taking a ferry at Iquitos Port, Peru in South America.
Not long into the voyage, pirates raid the ferry. Since they are the only American passengers, the head of the family decides that they abandon ship. Aiden believes that if the pirates find them, they would either be held captives for ransom or killed.
Albeit reluctant at first, the mother and the two kids jump into the river using Nick’s surfboard. Nick and Madison ride the surfboard while their parents swim alongside them. In a twist of fate, the children get separated from their parents. Their parents suddenly disappear from their side. Nick and Madison fear caiman, piranha, and other water creatures attack their parents. But, there’s no time for them to go back and find them. The surrounding is pitch-dark, and they need to reach the shore for safety.
Nick and Madison make it to the river bank in the middle of the night. This time, however, they need to watch out for terrestrial wild animals. They also must think of survival and find their way through the forests. Eventually, they found a community. Albeit skeptical about the residents, the kids approach them, but only briefly. The people suddenly flee to the forest for some reason. And, so Nick and Madison are on their own once again.
Find out how Nick and Madison face the challenges of the wilds. Are they safe from the pirates in the Amazon region? Also, learn about Nick’s important discovery. Read I Escaped Amazon River Pirates.
The Book and the Authors
I Escaped Amazon River Pirates is a fast-paced thrilling adventure for late elementary and middle school children. But, it’s not only an adventure and fun read for young readers. Rather, the book contains important lessons for children to learn. It introduces readers to nature and the environment. Specifically, I Escaped Amazon River Pirates teaches readers the impact of mining and clearing of the rainforests to the ecosystems.
There are at least two things I like in the book. First, I appreciate how the authors presented the issues of gold mining and clearing of forest areas. They do it in a way that does not sound preachy or imposing. Ellie Crowe and Scott Peters gently incorporate it into the adventure factor of the story. Likewise, the language they use is appropriate to their target readers.
Second, the authors provide a bit of information about the Amazon River and the status of the rainforests. They also create a study guide that further promotes active participation from the readers.
Overall, I give I Escaped Amazon River Pirates a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to readers 7 – 15 years old.
NOTE: The above review is also found at Books for All Seasons.
June 9, 2020
Nick was on a family trip that he didn't want to be on. The trip was fine, but he'd rather be home with his friends surfing. He was with his new step-dad, step-sister, and mother traveling the world. They ended up on a ferry on the Amazon River when things got tense. River pirates stopped their boat, and afraid from reports they had heard, Nick and his family escape the ferry on his surfboard. During the escape, Nick and his step-sister, Maddie, become separated from their parents and have to survive the Amazon wilds for several nights alone. After interacting with alligators, jaguars, native people, flooding, and much more, they are reunited with their parents with a much stronger bond than when they began their journey.
The premise for this story was based on actual events, which is mentioned at the end of the book. It is an action-packed book, typical of stories written for the 8-12 age group. It was also full of interesting and uncomfortable facts about the Amazon region, including an information section at the end of the book. The environmental push of the book is not subtle. I appreciate the efforts taken to make children aware of environmental issues; however, I'm not sure we should do this in an age group that is unable to understand the struggles that people living in this country have. Struggles that few 8-12 year-olds in America experience. It is a complicated issue that I feel the authors turned into a right vs. wrong situation.
The premise for this story was based on actual events, which is mentioned at the end of the book. It is an action-packed book, typical of stories written for the 8-12 age group. It was also full of interesting and uncomfortable facts about the Amazon region, including an information section at the end of the book. The environmental push of the book is not subtle. I appreciate the efforts taken to make children aware of environmental issues; however, I'm not sure we should do this in an age group that is unable to understand the struggles that people living in this country have. Struggles that few 8-12 year-olds in America experience. It is a complicated issue that I feel the authors turned into a right vs. wrong situation.
March 29, 2020
This book tells how Nick and her little step-sister Madison not only survived in the Amazon, but also managed to escape from terrible pirates. I think it is very appropriate for middle grade students because the plot is full of action and surprises that will hold their attention.
At the end of the book, there is even an interesting educational part―also for adults―plus some tips to help the preservation of this awesome rainforest. As a scientist, I would add that reducing your meat consumption or becoming a vegetarian helps a lot not only the Amazon, but the whole planet as well. The author will try to add this to the study guide.
Five stars for keeping the attention of middle grade students and the good purpose of the book.
At the end of the book, there is even an interesting educational part―also for adults―plus some tips to help the preservation of this awesome rainforest. As a scientist, I would add that reducing your meat consumption or becoming a vegetarian helps a lot not only the Amazon, but the whole planet as well. The author will try to add this to the study guide.
Five stars for keeping the attention of middle grade students and the good purpose of the book.
June 7, 2022
I liked it at the beginning, it did catch my interest. But once they left the boat, it got ridiculous. Too much violence and too many close calls. I think if a kid were reading it they might go try some of the dangerous things in it. I would not recommend for the elementary school I work in.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews