Continuing our global adventure, we head down to South America. In Go Global we emphasized the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River basin, and the indigenous people of South America. The following chapter books will give your children a real sense of the physical environment, the plants, animals, peoples, culture, and history in South America. As mentioned in the post on (link) North America Chapter books, we read and vetted all of these books. They are beautifully written with rich imagery, well developed characters, and evocative description of people and places. In addition, they have worthwhile themes that will enrich and provoke the readers or listeners to live better lives.
Pick one or two of these books to give your children a glimpse into a different place, and sometimes a different time as well. They will absorb a vast amount of information about the life and land in South America.
In addition to reading, make sure you add activity or discussion to aid in the appreciation and educational benefits. Find the place where the stories take place on a globe or on the GO GLOBAL Game mat. Eat some of the food that is discussed in the book. View additional videos of the places, plants, animals, or indigenous people. If you want more ideas, please see the GO GLOBAL Curriculum.
Whether you are reading aloud, or they are reading on their own, make sure to discuss the book with them. Ask the following questions in a relaxed way. It is NOT a test; it is a discussion.
- Who is it about?
- Who is your favorite character?
- What is happening?
- What do you think will happen next?
- How does this part of the story make you feel?
- Does this book make you want to learn more about anything?
- How is this place (and time) different from where (and when) you live? How is it similar?
South America Chapter Books
Each book is marked with its Reading Level RL, and its Interest Level IL. You as the parent need to discern if your child is ready for the topics and themes in the story.
Secret of the Andes, Ann Nolan Clark. RL: Gr 4 and up; IL: Ages 8 and up. A 20th century Incan boy tends his llamas in a hidden valley high in the Andes Mountains in the land of Peru. Cusi learns the traditions and secrets of his ancestors and finds his purpose in life. This Newberry award winner is a coming of age story with evocative imagery and rich language. The story in this book makes the history, culture, and time come alive!
The Explorer, Katherine Rundell. Ages 8-14. Three children on their way back to England from Manaus crash-land in the Amazon Rainforest. The pilot dies, and so the children survive alone until they find a map that leads them to a ruined city and a secret. Well written, exciting, and touches the heart!
Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure, Samantha Seiple. RL: Gr. 6 and up; IL: Ages 10 and up. Travel down an uncharted region of the Amazon in this mesmerizing true story of Teddy Roosevelt’s journey. The first two chapters give context to this amazing man who went on this adventure AFTER he was president. Teddy and his son Kermit faced all kinds of danger: hunger, disease, hostile natives, and betrayal. Not everyone gets out alive, but the descriptions are not excessive. This book hits so many targets – adventure, understanding of Amazon flora, fauna, indigent peoples, history (US and Brazil), father/son love and loyalty, leadership. Great read for even grown ups.
Missionary Books based in South America
Learn about countries and cultures and the Christian faith. Usually these books are full of the love of Christ and love for people. The YWM series for ages 8-14, Christian Heroes: Then and Now, are wonderful, short and engaging. The Trailblazer Books for ages 8-12 cover real life people and events as exciting, interesting and compelling adventures. The Light Keepers Books (Ten Girls/Ten Boys) have VERY brief chapters on several individuals if you like broad overviews.
When you are picking books, consider if you want a quick overview or if you want to go deep. You can cover everything and everyone superficially, or let your child go deep on one or two people. If you want your children to really remember one of the missionaries, let them go deep and read a more complete story about the person. Remember – the goal is not to name of a half dozen missionaries and where they were, but to be involved in the story of taking the Gospel to a group of people. Understanding the heart, desires, successes, and even failures of an individual will impact your child, and you, too. If they are really fascinated about one of the individuals, they may want to go even deeper and learn about their spouse, comrade, or person who continued their work.
Jim Elliot, One Great Purpose, Christian Heroes Then & Now, Janet and Geoff Benge. RL: Gr. 5-8; IL: Ages 9-13. Jim Eliot and his four friends sacrifice their lives in the great purpose of brining the Gospel to those who had never heard before.
Nate Saint, On a Wing and a Prayer, Christian Heroes Then & Now, Janet and Geoff Benge. RL: Gr. 5-8; IL: Ages 9-13. Nate Saint becomes a missionary pilot serving the missionaries and native people in Ecuador. He and Jim Elliot gave their lives to reach the Aucas with the Gospel.
Rachel Saint, A Star in the Jungle, Christian Heroes Then & Now, Janet and Geoff Benge. RL: Gr. 5-8; IL: Ages 9-13. Despite the martyrdom of five missionaries (including her brother Nate) Rachel lives for two decades with her brother’s killers translating the Bible for the Waorani people.
The Fate of the Yellow Woodbee: Nate Saint, Trailblazer Books, Dave and Neta Jackson. RL: Gr. 4-8; IL: Ages 8-12. This famous story is told from the perspective of a fictional character, an 11-year-old boy Niwa, who is a member of the fierce tribal group in Ecuador in the 1950s. The tribe trusts on one and kills without a second thought. Then a huge “wood-bee” flies overhead and drops gifts to the tribe. The five missionaries lost their lives, but their remaining family members reached out to the tribe, lived with them, and led many to Christ.
Through Gates of Splendor, Elisabeth Elliot. RL: Gr. 9 and up; IL: Ages 11 and up. The original telling of the true story of five young missionaries who were killed while trying to establish contact with a fierce primitive tribe in Ecuador is a Christian classic. This incredible and powerful tale includes fascinating details about each man, his work, his motivation, and his life.
Bruchko, Bruce Olson. RL: Gr. 8 and up; IL: Ages 10 and up. Nineteen-year old Bruce Olson leaves home and heads into the jungle to share the Gospel with a murderous tribe of South American Indians! He experiences terror, loneliness, disease, capture and torture. This riveting story will encourage and amaze you.