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Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure
The action-packed true story of President Theodore Roosevelt's dangerous adventure down one of the most treacherous rivers on Earth.
"I did have a murderous trip down South, but it was mighty interesting." In October 1913, Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on a tour of South America. The thrill-seeking adventurer had no idea that he would soon receive an offer he couldn't refuse: the chance to lead an expedition deep into the Amazon jungle to chart an unmapped river with his son Kermit and renowned Brazilian explorer Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon.
Death on the River of Doubt takes readers inside the thrilling journey that unfolds as Roosevelt, Rondon, Kermit, and their companions navigate an unpredictable river through an unforgiving jungle. With new threats at every turn, from bloodthirsty piranhas and raging rapids to starvation, disease, and a traitor in their own ranks, it seems that not everyone will make it out alive. Through it all, the indomitable Teddy Roosevelt remained determined to complete their mission and rewrite the map of the world. Or die trying.
"I did have a murderous trip down South, but it was mighty interesting." In October 1913, Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on a tour of South America. The thrill-seeking adventurer had no idea that he would soon receive an offer he couldn't refuse: the chance to lead an expedition deep into the Amazon jungle to chart an unmapped river with his son Kermit and renowned Brazilian explorer Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon.
Death on the River of Doubt takes readers inside the thrilling journey that unfolds as Roosevelt, Rondon, Kermit, and their companions navigate an unpredictable river through an unforgiving jungle. With new threats at every turn, from bloodthirsty piranhas and raging rapids to starvation, disease, and a traitor in their own ranks, it seems that not everyone will make it out alive. Through it all, the indomitable Teddy Roosevelt remained determined to complete their mission and rewrite the map of the world. Or die trying.
213 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2017
40 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Seiple
10 books23 followersSamantha Seiple’s latest book is Louisa on the Front Lines: Louisa May Alcott in the Civil War (Seal Press), the first narrative nonfiction book focusing on the least-known aspect of Louisa May Alcott's career – her time spent as a nurse during the Civil War. Though her service was brief, the dramatic experience was one that she considered pivotal in helping her write the beloved classic Little Women. It also deeply affected her tenuous relationship with her father and solidified her commitment to human rights.
Louisa on the Front Lines has been praised as “Lively, well-researched… engaging and informative… Alcott herself would have marveled at how Seiple's biographical and historical account reads like a novel!” by leading Alcott scholar Daniel Shealy, co-editor of The Journals of Louisa May Alcott and The Selected Letters of Louisa May Alcott.
Seiple enjoys uncovering forgotten and little-known aspects of history and meticulously crafting the factual story to read like a novel. Louisa on the Front Lines is her first biographical account for the adult audience.
Her previous narrative nonfiction books for young adults include Ghosts in the Fog: The Untold Story of Alaska’s WWII Invasion, a YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee and a Junior Library Guild Selection; Lincoln’s Spymaster: America’s First Private Eye, a Junior Library Guild Selection; Byrd & Igloo: A Polar Adventure; and Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure, a Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Gold Award winner.
Seiple lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, Todd, and tiny toy poodle, Lucy.
Louisa on the Front Lines has been praised as “Lively, well-researched… engaging and informative… Alcott herself would have marveled at how Seiple's biographical and historical account reads like a novel!” by leading Alcott scholar Daniel Shealy, co-editor of The Journals of Louisa May Alcott and The Selected Letters of Louisa May Alcott.
Seiple enjoys uncovering forgotten and little-known aspects of history and meticulously crafting the factual story to read like a novel. Louisa on the Front Lines is her first biographical account for the adult audience.
Her previous narrative nonfiction books for young adults include Ghosts in the Fog: The Untold Story of Alaska’s WWII Invasion, a YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee and a Junior Library Guild Selection; Lincoln’s Spymaster: America’s First Private Eye, a Junior Library Guild Selection; Byrd & Igloo: A Polar Adventure; and Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure, a Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Gold Award winner.
Seiple lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, Todd, and tiny toy poodle, Lucy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 30, 2022
Digital audiobook read by David de Vries
Subtitle: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure
This is a children’s middle-grade book detailing the expedition to chart a previously uncharted tributary of the Amazon. To say that this journey was treacherous is an understatement. Canoes broke up over waterfalls, native tribes attacked the intruders, their food ran short (huntable game was NOT plentiful), some members of the expedition were untrustworthy, injuries and infection could prove fatal. They had to cut their own path through dense jungle in order to create a portage area around waterfalls they hadn’t anticipated. At one point they had to fell trees to build new canoes!
Then there were the dangerous animals: jaguar, venomous snakes, piranhas and the Anopheles mosquito which carried malaria. Oh, and their fellow adventurers posed a risk as well. One man frequently “stole” extra rations for himself, leaving the others with a quickly diminishing supply. Another’s dire health crisis resulted in his rations being cut off, “since he was going to die anyway.”
The book includes numerous photographs from the journey and other times in Roosevelt’s life. At the end of the story Seiple includes “Teddy’s Travel Tips” with notes on when to go, what to pack and what food and supplies one would need for such a journey. Additionally. she provides a timeline of career highlights in Roosevelt’s life.
It's a great introduction for the younger set on Theadore Roosevelt and this particular historic adventure. Now I need to read Candice Millard’s book on the same episode.
David de Vries does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. He has clear diction and a good pace for this nonfiction adventure story. However, listeners are encouraged to have a copy of the text handy to see the many photos, maps and lists.
Subtitle: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure
This is a children’s middle-grade book detailing the expedition to chart a previously uncharted tributary of the Amazon. To say that this journey was treacherous is an understatement. Canoes broke up over waterfalls, native tribes attacked the intruders, their food ran short (huntable game was NOT plentiful), some members of the expedition were untrustworthy, injuries and infection could prove fatal. They had to cut their own path through dense jungle in order to create a portage area around waterfalls they hadn’t anticipated. At one point they had to fell trees to build new canoes!
Then there were the dangerous animals: jaguar, venomous snakes, piranhas and the Anopheles mosquito which carried malaria. Oh, and their fellow adventurers posed a risk as well. One man frequently “stole” extra rations for himself, leaving the others with a quickly diminishing supply. Another’s dire health crisis resulted in his rations being cut off, “since he was going to die anyway.”
The book includes numerous photographs from the journey and other times in Roosevelt’s life. At the end of the story Seiple includes “Teddy’s Travel Tips” with notes on when to go, what to pack and what food and supplies one would need for such a journey. Additionally. she provides a timeline of career highlights in Roosevelt’s life.
It's a great introduction for the younger set on Theadore Roosevelt and this particular historic adventure. Now I need to read Candice Millard’s book on the same episode.
David de Vries does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. He has clear diction and a good pace for this nonfiction adventure story. However, listeners are encouraged to have a copy of the text handy to see the many photos, maps and lists.
May 14, 2017
Anyone as old as me remember those old orange-covered biographies (Childhoods of Famous Americans series) that would take up an entire shelf in elementary school? I adored them and read everything I could find. They were easy to read, interesting, informative, and had enough illustrations to break up the narrative.
I thought of those books when I read "Death on the River of Doubt," which I picked up at the library not realizing it was a teen book. But no matter, I thoroughly enjoyed this look at Teddy Roosevelt's South American journey, and although ultimately a success, it wasn't without injuries, illnesses, and deaths. It also reminded me that I had had Candace Millard's The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey on my list for ages but never got around to it.
What I liked about this book was not only the fast-paced and interesting narrative, but the photos and illustrations added interest to the story. This is a book all teens would enjoy, especially boys as they can be a tough audience. It would be perfect for readers of Hatchet (I must have given that book to at least 100 boys during my bookmobile stint) and could ignite their interest into reading adult true survival stories such as Back from Tuichi and Between a Rock and a Hard Place ..
I thought of those books when I read "Death on the River of Doubt," which I picked up at the library not realizing it was a teen book. But no matter, I thoroughly enjoyed this look at Teddy Roosevelt's South American journey, and although ultimately a success, it wasn't without injuries, illnesses, and deaths. It also reminded me that I had had Candace Millard's The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey on my list for ages but never got around to it.
What I liked about this book was not only the fast-paced and interesting narrative, but the photos and illustrations added interest to the story. This is a book all teens would enjoy, especially boys as they can be a tough audience. It would be perfect for readers of Hatchet (I must have given that book to at least 100 boys during my bookmobile stint) and could ignite their interest into reading adult true survival stories such as Back from Tuichi and Between a Rock and a Hard Place ..
October 28, 2016
Richie’s Picks: DEATH ON THE RIVER OF DOUBT: THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S AMAZON ADVENTURE by Samantha Seiple, Scholastic Press, January 2017, 224p., ISBN: 978-0-545-70916-3
“As president, Roosevelt created five national parks (doubling the previously existing number); signed the landmark Antiquities Act and used its special provisions to unilaterally create 18 national monuments, including the Grand Canyon; set aside 51 national bird sanctuaries, four national game refuges, and more than 100 million acres’ worth of national forests.”
--from PBS.org, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea: A Film by Ken Burns
“The men above pulled the wet ropes, their hands burning, while Roosevelt and the others below lifted and shoved, heaving the canoe up. Finally, the canoe was free, and the men slowly dragged it up to safety.
“The same procedure was repeated for the second canoe. It was a much-needed victory as both canoes were saved. But the adventurers quickly realized their success had come at a price.
“During the ordeal, Roosevelt had slammed his leg into a boulder, gouging his shin. As his blood oozed into the piranha-infested water, he quickly waded to the river’s bank and limped back to the campsite at the foot of the rapids.
“At first glance, the wound appeared to be minor. But the former president knew what a bloody gash to his leg really meant, especially in the unknown and unforgiving jungle.
“Roosevelt was knocking on death’s door.”
Wading into a discussion of Teddy Roosevelt can be like easing into a piranha-infested river. On the down side, there is plenty of evidence with which to indict Roosevelt as a white supremacist, racist, and imperialist. He proudly wore the mantle of progressivism, but he was elected president with the help of robber barons. His dismissal “without honor” of 167 Black infantrymen who were framed by Texan racists, in what came to be known as the Brownsville Affair, was such an injustice that it was officially reversed in 1972. And Roosevelt disseminated vile generalizations about Native Americans that reverberated for generations.
On the plus side, as Ken Burns noted in his famed PBS documentary series about the national parks, Roosevelt’s great legacy was to rescue large portions of America from destruction.
Roosevelt was a world-famous naturalist and outdoor enthusiast, so it’s not surprising that while on a tour of South America, he was offered an opportunity to participate in an expedition deep into the Amazon jungle to chart an unmapped river.
Today we are instantly connected by news coverage to people, places, and events around the globe. Many of us have Facebook “friends” in numerous countries. It’s difficult to imagine that, a hundred years ago, large swaths of the planet remained uncharted and many tribes of people had never come face-to-face with western “civilization.” But that’s what readers encounter in the breathtaking true adventure story, DEATH ON THE RIVER OF DOUBT: THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S AMAZON ADVENTURE.
Roosevelt came close but didn’t die on the River of Doubt. Others in the exploration party did. At one point, things got so bad that Roosevelt considered whether his son Kermit would have a better chance of survival if he, TR, continued on with the expedition...or whether the better choice would be to stay behind and die.
Knowing the opinions that Roosevelt expressed about Native Americans, I was surprised to see the positive manner in which he treated the camaradas who accompanied the expedition. All in all, TR comes off here as a reasonably sympathetic character.
In crafting this book, author Samantha Seiple pored through the papers and diaries of Theodore Roosevelt, his son Kermit, Candido Mariano de Silva Rondon, who led the expedition, and naturalist George Cherrie. The result is an exciting, sometimes terrifying, sometimes gross tale of life, death, and exploration in the days when there were still truly unknown places in the world.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“As president, Roosevelt created five national parks (doubling the previously existing number); signed the landmark Antiquities Act and used its special provisions to unilaterally create 18 national monuments, including the Grand Canyon; set aside 51 national bird sanctuaries, four national game refuges, and more than 100 million acres’ worth of national forests.”
--from PBS.org, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea: A Film by Ken Burns
“The men above pulled the wet ropes, their hands burning, while Roosevelt and the others below lifted and shoved, heaving the canoe up. Finally, the canoe was free, and the men slowly dragged it up to safety.
“The same procedure was repeated for the second canoe. It was a much-needed victory as both canoes were saved. But the adventurers quickly realized their success had come at a price.
“During the ordeal, Roosevelt had slammed his leg into a boulder, gouging his shin. As his blood oozed into the piranha-infested water, he quickly waded to the river’s bank and limped back to the campsite at the foot of the rapids.
“At first glance, the wound appeared to be minor. But the former president knew what a bloody gash to his leg really meant, especially in the unknown and unforgiving jungle.
“Roosevelt was knocking on death’s door.”
Wading into a discussion of Teddy Roosevelt can be like easing into a piranha-infested river. On the down side, there is plenty of evidence with which to indict Roosevelt as a white supremacist, racist, and imperialist. He proudly wore the mantle of progressivism, but he was elected president with the help of robber barons. His dismissal “without honor” of 167 Black infantrymen who were framed by Texan racists, in what came to be known as the Brownsville Affair, was such an injustice that it was officially reversed in 1972. And Roosevelt disseminated vile generalizations about Native Americans that reverberated for generations.
On the plus side, as Ken Burns noted in his famed PBS documentary series about the national parks, Roosevelt’s great legacy was to rescue large portions of America from destruction.
Roosevelt was a world-famous naturalist and outdoor enthusiast, so it’s not surprising that while on a tour of South America, he was offered an opportunity to participate in an expedition deep into the Amazon jungle to chart an unmapped river.
Today we are instantly connected by news coverage to people, places, and events around the globe. Many of us have Facebook “friends” in numerous countries. It’s difficult to imagine that, a hundred years ago, large swaths of the planet remained uncharted and many tribes of people had never come face-to-face with western “civilization.” But that’s what readers encounter in the breathtaking true adventure story, DEATH ON THE RIVER OF DOUBT: THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S AMAZON ADVENTURE.
Roosevelt came close but didn’t die on the River of Doubt. Others in the exploration party did. At one point, things got so bad that Roosevelt considered whether his son Kermit would have a better chance of survival if he, TR, continued on with the expedition...or whether the better choice would be to stay behind and die.
Knowing the opinions that Roosevelt expressed about Native Americans, I was surprised to see the positive manner in which he treated the camaradas who accompanied the expedition. All in all, TR comes off here as a reasonably sympathetic character.
In crafting this book, author Samantha Seiple pored through the papers and diaries of Theodore Roosevelt, his son Kermit, Candido Mariano de Silva Rondon, who led the expedition, and naturalist George Cherrie. The result is an exciting, sometimes terrifying, sometimes gross tale of life, death, and exploration in the days when there were still truly unknown places in the world.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
July 3, 2017
A wonderful read and a great way to introduce people to Theodore Roosevelt and how awesome he is.
April 18, 2017
Although I already considered President Theodore Roosevelt one of those larger than life figures in history, I had never heard of this particular part of his life before reading this book. Honestly, I was riveted from start to finish as the man who loved an adventure accepted an invitation to help chart a previously-uncharted river in South America. Starting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Roosevelt joined a famous Brazilian explorer, Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon, his son Kermit, and naturalist George Cherrie on the seven-week adventure into the Amazon rain forests. Along the way, the explorers would face piranhas, fierce rapids, unfriendly natives in the area, and starvation as their food supplies began to run out. They even realized that there was a thief among the exploration party as one of the workers was stealing food from their already-diminished stores. While Rondo painstakingly surveyed the virgin territory, Roosevelt became frustrated at the slow pace of their travels and increasingly worried about the amount of food they had available, particularly when it became clear that there was little wildlife to be used to supplement what they carried with them. Over and over, the explorers faced danger because of the rapids on the river, which caused several canoes to be crushed, and new ones to be carved out. All of the men became ill from malaria, and Roosevelt nearly died as the result of an infected wound on his left leg. Although he came close to death, somehow the men came to the end of their journey and lived to tell the tale. In fact, the former president even received a medal from the American Geographical Association for his efforts. Although his trip into the jungle may have shortened his life span, he lived five more years and certainly never regretted his travels or his decision to map the terrain of what was known as the River of Doubt. Anyone who loves a good adventure tale, whether true or false, will enjoy this one with its vivid description and feeling as though readers are hacking through that thick foliage in the jungle or fighting against those rapids just to reach shore again. This is certainly a great book for inclusion in a social studies or history class or within a collection of books about this most loved president who seemed larger than life at times. Readers will fly through its pages to see if Teddy Roosevelt makes it out of the jungle alive. Having actual diary entries as reference points adds color and flavor to the account.
July 10, 2021
This is a nice story told about the adventures of Theodore Roosevelt in the Amazon, after his presidential years. The way it is told is so American to me, it felt like reading a story that could be part of an Indiana Jones movie. Lots of it probably is caused by the details added by the author, but that doesn't hurt the story. It's brief and does the trick. The title of this story however could have also been Two New Canoes. I didn't count but this has to be the most amount of use of the word canoe and everything that rhymes with it. They found two new canoes. he put one foot into the canoe with food.
At some point I just couldn't get two new canoes out of my head. Fun, but at a certain point it does get irritating. Anyhoo, toodeloo canoe. (the spare pair of underware at the end killed me)
At some point I just couldn't get two new canoes out of my head. Fun, but at a certain point it does get irritating. Anyhoo, toodeloo canoe. (the spare pair of underware at the end killed me)
July 31, 2023
This is an adult non-fiction read, part of the Battle of the Books for Middle School. It is written by an author who lives in Asheville, NC. I enjoyed the facts and how treacherous this trip became (while not originally planned that way)! The people involved all really did put their lives on the line, including Teddy and his son Kermit. Ultimately, Teddy died due to a shortened life span 5 years later (at 60) because of the problems faced on this trip. It did shorten his life span, but he very nearly died while on the trip. Those men who went with him were TOUGH!
July 18, 2018
This is a non fiction account, but it read like an adventure.
July 15, 2020
I have always been fascinated by Teddy Roosevelt!. I love his determination, his love of books, and his philosophy. Embrace your dreams! This book chronicles a journey Roosevelt took on the Amazon(another obsession) with two guides.
December 19, 2024
I read this aloud with my kids for school as we studied this time period. We really enjoyed learning more about the adventurous Teddy Roosevelt!
June 28, 2020
Hard to understand why people would seek out such hardship until they reach the end.
January 24, 2018
Death on the River of Doubt is an amazing tale of adventure. It was almost unbelievable that anyone in the expedition survived. If you thought you knew who Theodore Roosevelt was, this book will unveil a whole lot you didn’t know about this relentless character.
At the end of the book, he says, “I’m an old man now and I did have a murderous trip down South, but it was mighty interesting.”
He as only sixty, but had lived his life hard.
This would be a great choice for middle school battle of the books 2018-2019.
At the end of the book, he says, “I’m an old man now and I did have a murderous trip down South, but it was mighty interesting.”
He as only sixty, but had lived his life hard.
This would be a great choice for middle school battle of the books 2018-2019.
August 21, 2016
Reviewed for professional publication.
January 8, 2021
Roosevelt’s Adventure on the River of Doubt
Time was running out. It was twenty-nine days into the journey, and food supplies were frighteningly low. The men were starving. No one knew how many more miles they would have to travel down the River of Doubt. There was no map to follow, and they had no idea what lay ahead. (Seiple 1)
“Death on the River of Doubt” is a compelling nonfiction book written by author Samantha Seiple, nonfiction writer of Louisa on the Front Lines and Lincoln’s Spymaster, about the journey of America’s 26th president through the dangerous Amazon jungle. “Death on the River of Doubt” was published in January 2017 by the Scholastic Press. This expedition to map an unmarked river almost resulted in the death of Theodore Roosevelt and yet most people have never heard the story (Andrews). Through the use of an interesting setting, strong characters, and a nail-biting plot, “Death on the River of Doubt” creates a very fascinating read.
The story “Death on the River of Doubt” takes place in the Amazon jungle, specifically with the characters spending the majority of their time traveling along the Rio da Dúvida or River of Doubt, an uncharted tributary in Brazil (Andrews). The setting of the book plays a huge role in the story because it introduces the main conflict for the characters. The many rapids, harsh weather, and disease filled forest proved to have a harsh impact on the explorers, with many of them getting sick or injured. Although the environment conditions were rough for the characters of the story, the challenging setting leaves the reader on the edge of their seat waiting for what obstacle comes next.
Seiple only really gives background on three of the characters that go on the expedition. Of course it starts with telling about Theodore Roosevelt, former president and outdoorsman. Roosevelt is the one who sets the plan to chart the River of Doubt into motion when he and his group arrive in Brazil. Through his hardships with the environment, Roosevelt is revealed to be a very persistent and selfless character, never wanting to be a burden to others in the group. Along with his son, Kermit Roosevelt, accompanies the explorers along the river. Kermit is a very resourceful and hard-working character whose main goal is to make sure his father makes it through the journey. The last main character is a local Brazilian explorer, Colonel Candido Rondon, who serves as a guide for Roosevelt’s group. Another hardworking character, Rondon’s vast knowledge of the land and forests helps the explorers survive and accomplish the goal of charting the River of Doubt. These characters determination and reaction to conflict keeps readers engaged throughout the whole book.
As an avid reader who has been in honors English for six years, I think this book is a well written nonfiction book with lots of information in it while still creating an interesting story that keeps readers engaged throughout. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars because of its interesting plot and how well written it is. A reviewer for Publishers Weekly describes the fascinating book, “Incorporating quotations from the journals of Roosevelt and the expedition’s other principal members, Seiple illuminates the party’s life-threatening struggles with thundering rapids, punishing rain, disease, injuries, hostile native tribes, insubordination, dwindling provisions, and plummeting morale” (“Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure”). A great read for middle grade readers and up or just anyone who likes nonfiction, “Death on the River of Doubt” is a compelling, unknown story about Theodore Roosevelt’s adventure through the treacherous Amazon jungle.
Works Cited
Andrews, Evan. “The Amazonian Expedition That Nearly Killed Theodore Roosevelt.” History.com, 26 Jan. 2017, www.history.com/news/the-amazonian-ex....
Regel, Jessica. “Children's Book Review: Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure by Samantha Seiple. Scholastic Press” PublishersWeekly.com, 2017, www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-545-70....
Seiple, Samantha. Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure. Scholastic Press, 2017.
Time was running out. It was twenty-nine days into the journey, and food supplies were frighteningly low. The men were starving. No one knew how many more miles they would have to travel down the River of Doubt. There was no map to follow, and they had no idea what lay ahead. (Seiple 1)
“Death on the River of Doubt” is a compelling nonfiction book written by author Samantha Seiple, nonfiction writer of Louisa on the Front Lines and Lincoln’s Spymaster, about the journey of America’s 26th president through the dangerous Amazon jungle. “Death on the River of Doubt” was published in January 2017 by the Scholastic Press. This expedition to map an unmarked river almost resulted in the death of Theodore Roosevelt and yet most people have never heard the story (Andrews). Through the use of an interesting setting, strong characters, and a nail-biting plot, “Death on the River of Doubt” creates a very fascinating read.
The story “Death on the River of Doubt” takes place in the Amazon jungle, specifically with the characters spending the majority of their time traveling along the Rio da Dúvida or River of Doubt, an uncharted tributary in Brazil (Andrews). The setting of the book plays a huge role in the story because it introduces the main conflict for the characters. The many rapids, harsh weather, and disease filled forest proved to have a harsh impact on the explorers, with many of them getting sick or injured. Although the environment conditions were rough for the characters of the story, the challenging setting leaves the reader on the edge of their seat waiting for what obstacle comes next.
Seiple only really gives background on three of the characters that go on the expedition. Of course it starts with telling about Theodore Roosevelt, former president and outdoorsman. Roosevelt is the one who sets the plan to chart the River of Doubt into motion when he and his group arrive in Brazil. Through his hardships with the environment, Roosevelt is revealed to be a very persistent and selfless character, never wanting to be a burden to others in the group. Along with his son, Kermit Roosevelt, accompanies the explorers along the river. Kermit is a very resourceful and hard-working character whose main goal is to make sure his father makes it through the journey. The last main character is a local Brazilian explorer, Colonel Candido Rondon, who serves as a guide for Roosevelt’s group. Another hardworking character, Rondon’s vast knowledge of the land and forests helps the explorers survive and accomplish the goal of charting the River of Doubt. These characters determination and reaction to conflict keeps readers engaged throughout the whole book.
As an avid reader who has been in honors English for six years, I think this book is a well written nonfiction book with lots of information in it while still creating an interesting story that keeps readers engaged throughout. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars because of its interesting plot and how well written it is. A reviewer for Publishers Weekly describes the fascinating book, “Incorporating quotations from the journals of Roosevelt and the expedition’s other principal members, Seiple illuminates the party’s life-threatening struggles with thundering rapids, punishing rain, disease, injuries, hostile native tribes, insubordination, dwindling provisions, and plummeting morale” (“Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure”). A great read for middle grade readers and up or just anyone who likes nonfiction, “Death on the River of Doubt” is a compelling, unknown story about Theodore Roosevelt’s adventure through the treacherous Amazon jungle.
Works Cited
Andrews, Evan. “The Amazonian Expedition That Nearly Killed Theodore Roosevelt.” History.com, 26 Jan. 2017, www.history.com/news/the-amazonian-ex....
Regel, Jessica. “Children's Book Review: Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure by Samantha Seiple. Scholastic Press” PublishersWeekly.com, 2017, www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-545-70....
Seiple, Samantha. Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure. Scholastic Press, 2017.
January 26, 2018
This was an interesting nonfic/bio. It was about former president Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon expedition. His son Kermit was working in Brazil and was nearly killed in a construction accident. Roosevelt wanted to see for himself that his son was okay. He set up some speeches and then traveled to Brazil. He was offered the opportunity to be part of an expedition into the Amazon to explore an uncharted river. Roosevelt has wanted to be a naturalist and loved adventure. He jumped at the chance. His son Kermit came along to help keep an eye on his father. Twenty-two men started out. However, they soon ran into trouble. The river was full of rapids and gorges. They had to keep getting out of the water and chopping trees to make a path to carry the canoes past the rapids and waterfalls. When they tried to run the rapids, they had a couple of canoes capsize and lost the canoes and the food inside of them. One of the laborers is killed in a canoe accident. They also had to worry about natives. One group shot one of the dogs with arrows and killed it. Many of the men were sick from malaria and dysentery. They lost more canoes and had to stop to build new ones. They were only able to travel a few miles a day, so things started becoming more and more dire. Worse, someone in their group was stealing food. One day, the cook caught the man stealing and punched him. In such a dangerous situation, he was lucky to be punched and not killed. But the man was very angry and a few days later, murdered the man who punched him. The group left that man behind in the jungle to the mercy of the natives and elements. Roosevelt cut his leg trying to help move the canoes to a portage. It became infected. Even worse, he developed malaria. They were 6 weeks into the journey and he was so sick, everyone expected him to die. Then, when hope seemed lost, they made it out of the mountains and rapids and into calmer waters. There they saw a house and a man in a canoe and they knew they were going to make it. Overall, an interesting look at one of the adventures of Teddy Roosevelt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2017
Former President Teddy Roosevelt was invited down to Brazil to give a series of lectures. While down there, he was invited to join an expedition to explore and map what was believed to be a new branch of the Amazon, the River of Doubt. Never one to say no to a good adventure, Teddy and his son Kermit joined the expedition led by renowned Brazilian explorer Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon. Instead of finding a nice easy river, though, the expedition encountered numerous difficulties and all of them were in danger of not making it out of the deep jungles of Brazil alive.
This expedition is referenced a few times in The Lost City of Z so my interest in it was first piqued when I read that book. It did not disappoint as an exciting true life exploration/adventure/survival story. It's well-written and outlines a crazy adventure! It is just plain miraculous Teddy Roosevelt lived as long as he did. He must have been part cat or something with all his near death experiences. (The book does give some background on his life but basically just 2 chapters before jumping into the Rondon/Roosevelt expedition.) Hand this to teens or adults who like exciting and adventurous stories or survival stories, they should eat it up and go away hunting for more info on Amazon exploration or Teddy Roosevelt.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Not everyone makes it out alive and one death is a murder by shotgun that's somewhat described. Other injuries or discomforts are also a bit described and hunting for food and science is mentioned.
This expedition is referenced a few times in The Lost City of Z so my interest in it was first piqued when I read that book. It did not disappoint as an exciting true life exploration/adventure/survival story. It's well-written and outlines a crazy adventure! It is just plain miraculous Teddy Roosevelt lived as long as he did. He must have been part cat or something with all his near death experiences. (The book does give some background on his life but basically just 2 chapters before jumping into the Rondon/Roosevelt expedition.) Hand this to teens or adults who like exciting and adventurous stories or survival stories, they should eat it up and go away hunting for more info on Amazon exploration or Teddy Roosevelt.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Not everyone makes it out alive and one death is a murder by shotgun that's somewhat described. Other injuries or discomforts are also a bit described and hunting for food and science is mentioned.
November 15, 2017
Death on the River of Doubt follows the journey of Cândido Rondon and Theodore Roosevelt as they travel along the previously uncharted River of Doubt, discussing the trials and tribulations they face along the way, from hostile natives to disease and betrayal. The book moved through the expedition with chapters about important day(s), using the writings of the participants and the newspapers of the time to describe what happened in a way that is understandable to kids, while also factually correct and similar to how more adult nonfiction books are written. This provided a pleasant surprise as usually juvenile nonfiction is generally sparse on sources and simplifies too much, but I did not feel this way at all throughout the book. Seiple balances the research portion and the kids’s portion very well, making it not seem like a researched topic, but more of a story (though without the awful presumptions of creative nonfiction). She provided a good amount of context, so people could go into this book not knowing too much about Roosevelt, Rondon, or the Amazon. The only thing I wanted more of was what they specifically discovered or how it has been helpful, but I think the interest in brevity is important here than comprehensiveness, as it will make kids want to find more. Teddy Roosevelt is such a monumental figure in US history, and this book can help kids learn about him even more. Adults could use this riveting book too.
January 18, 2018
Death on the River of Doubt follows the journey of Cândido Rondon and Theodore Roosevelt as they travel along the previously uncharted River of Doubt, discussing the trials and tribulations they face along the way, from hostile natives to disease and betrayal. The book moved through the expedition with chapters about important day(s), using the writings of the participants and the newspapers of the time to describe what happened in a way that is understandable to kids, while also factually correct and similar to how more adult nonfiction books are written. This provided a pleasant surprise as usually juvenile nonfiction is generally sparse on sources and simplifies too much, but I did not feel this way at all throughout the book. Seiple balances the research portion and the kids’s portion very well, making it not seem like a researched topic, but more of a story (though without the awful presumptions of creative nonfiction). She provided a good amount of context, so people could go into this book not knowing too much about Roosevelt, Rondon, or the Amazon. The only thing I wanted more of was what they specifically discovered or how it has been helpful, but I think the interest in brevity is important here than comprehensiveness, as it will make kids want to find more. Teddy Roosevelt is such a monumental figure in US history, and this book can help kids learn about him even more. Adults could use this riveting book too.
Review by Nathan P, 16, Delaware Valley Mensa
Review by Nathan P, 16, Delaware Valley Mensa
April 3, 2018
Well, that wasn’t one of Roosevelt’s better ideas! This catalog of disasters kept me on the edge of my seat right up to the end. I can’t even imagine going through what they did—the insect bites, bee stings, and mosquito swarms, plus the jungle heat and humidity and constant damp, not to mention the malaria and dysentery, would have done me in within a few days. These men were made of stern stuff, lasting over 48 days before finding civilization again. They might have suffered less had they had some of our modern camping and survival gear—or maybe not. They were traveling down a completely unknown river in Brazil, mapping it as they went, during the rainy season. They didn’t know what native tribes they might encounter, or whether they would be hostile or friendly. They didn’t know about all the rapids and waterfalls they would have to portage around. They didn’t know that the game and Brazil nuts they depended on to supplement their food stores would grow scarce the further down the river they went. Had they but known... well, Roosevelt would probably have said “Bully!” and gone anyway. Forewarned is forearmed. I wish I could have attended one of his talks after he got back. To think that some people thought he was lying, or mistaken, that the expedition hadn’t really discovered a new river! Seiple has written a gripping account of this expedition which I can’t recommend highly enough. Now on to Roosevelt’s account in Through the Brazilian Wilderness.
March 18, 2024
I’m a “fan” of TR, but this condensed version of this trip is super boring. Start down the river, not travel very far when hear a roar of falls ahead, gonna have to portage, portage, break a canoe (or 2), build canoes, start back down the river, not travel very far when hear a roar…. This goes on for 2+ hours (audiobook). In between that, it’s all about lack of food and how much they aren’t eating and will they make it (without starving) to the unknown end.
Meanwhile, they realize they’ve “lost” 15 boxes/containers of food and realize that a huge guy hasn’t been losing any weight. That’s more than a box/container a day…NO one noticed this guy is pigging out when everyone else is starving?
And as much as I like TR, when everyone needed to parse down their belongings, he decided to give a slave (yeah, I said it) a pair of his extra pants cuz the slave’s pants were torn into pieces when he was making a canoe, and he was only wearing his underwear. And then, later, when they needed to parse down even more, TR gave his son his extra pair of boots, cuz Kermit’s boots had rotted out. What a gent!
Meanwhile, they realize they’ve “lost” 15 boxes/containers of food and realize that a huge guy hasn’t been losing any weight. That’s more than a box/container a day…NO one noticed this guy is pigging out when everyone else is starving?
And as much as I like TR, when everyone needed to parse down their belongings, he decided to give a slave (yeah, I said it) a pair of his extra pants cuz the slave’s pants were torn into pieces when he was making a canoe, and he was only wearing his underwear. And then, later, when they needed to parse down even more, TR gave his son his extra pair of boots, cuz Kermit’s boots had rotted out. What a gent!
December 21, 2020
I've been meaning to read this book for some time when I learned of it and am so glad to have finally read it.
Reading this book really opened my eyes to just how much Teddy loved nature and I had no idea that he'd wanted to be a naturalist from a very young age. He was not only someone you wanted at your side no matter the situation but was also someone who genuinely cared about everyone around him.
He was a force to be reckoned with, was not afraid to speak his mind and tried to live his life to the fullest.
This is a tale about his adventures tracking a river with a group of guys including his son Kermit and all of the unexpected hardships they went through. Teddy was able to live his dream of being a naturalist, exploring an area that wasn't known to the then modern world and was forever changed by those experiences.
I highly recommend checking out this book whether you're interested in learning about Teddy, the discoveries that were found in the Amazon or are looking for a nonfiction adventure book.
Reading this book really opened my eyes to just how much Teddy loved nature and I had no idea that he'd wanted to be a naturalist from a very young age. He was not only someone you wanted at your side no matter the situation but was also someone who genuinely cared about everyone around him.
He was a force to be reckoned with, was not afraid to speak his mind and tried to live his life to the fullest.
This is a tale about his adventures tracking a river with a group of guys including his son Kermit and all of the unexpected hardships they went through. Teddy was able to live his dream of being a naturalist, exploring an area that wasn't known to the then modern world and was forever changed by those experiences.
I highly recommend checking out this book whether you're interested in learning about Teddy, the discoveries that were found in the Amazon or are looking for a nonfiction adventure book.
February 22, 2021
If you've ever brushed aside old dead presidents thinking they were dull and boring, you are sadly mistaken. Teddy Roosevelt is a president of almost mythic proportions. Before discovering that he needed glasses as a child, he didn't realize that it wasn't normal for him to be able to identify birds just from sound alone. Think. About. It. He couldn't see them, so his body adapted in the way that it needed to to help him do what he set out to do. Then after being bullied as a child, he didn't just lay down and take it(or beg his super wealthy parents to switch schools), he made the decision to learn to box! In his 20s, he bought a ranch in the Badlands spending his days as a cowboy and eventually becoming a sheriff's deputy. Before his trip to Brazil, he would go blind in his left eye, suffer permanent damage to his left leg, and get shot at point blank range and survive with the bullet still lodged in his rib. Then, he would help put an uncharted river on the map all while battling malaria and abscess' in his leg. The man was a legend. I devoured this book. It was amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
Teddy Roosevelt is one of the most interesting presidents. From how he overcame his struggle with asthma as a child to being one of the most popular presidents ever to his many worldwide adventures, he lived a very full life. It’s surprising that just one man could do so many things and live so many lives.
I’d read about his upbringing and young adult years, but I had no idea that he was part of an expedition to discover an unknown river in the Amazon AFTER he was president. And he almost died! Multiple times!
This book is the true account of that story and how the expedition traveled along the river and endured many hardships and made tough decisions. It was amazing Roosevelt survived at all.
What I really appreciated about this book is how it did not pad the story with lots of extraneous information. Lots of nonfiction books do this, and it really bothers me. The author gave a brief account of Roosevelt’s life up to this point but did not bog down the story. Recommended if you like or want to know more about Roosevelt or if you’re looking for a short, exciting read.
I’d read about his upbringing and young adult years, but I had no idea that he was part of an expedition to discover an unknown river in the Amazon AFTER he was president. And he almost died! Multiple times!
This book is the true account of that story and how the expedition traveled along the river and endured many hardships and made tough decisions. It was amazing Roosevelt survived at all.
What I really appreciated about this book is how it did not pad the story with lots of extraneous information. Lots of nonfiction books do this, and it really bothers me. The author gave a brief account of Roosevelt’s life up to this point but did not bog down the story. Recommended if you like or want to know more about Roosevelt or if you’re looking for a short, exciting read.
December 6, 2021
This is an interesting recount of Theodore Roosevelt's expedition down an uncharted river in the Amazon forest in 1914. It includes many excerpts from journals of the men on this trip (including TR's son Kermit) as well as photos. It was quite a treacherous 7 week journey, with death and danger always a threat. They lost canoes more than once in raging rapids and had to cut down trees and make new ones. This slowed them down and forced them to leave supplies behind and stretch their rations thin. Occasionally they could shoot a monkey or other wildlife for food, but it wasn't the norm. The men developed malaria, were hounded by stinging/biting insects, were always in fear of hostile natives, and had no idea how long it would take to reach civilization. It sounded like a very harrowing adventure!
October 22, 2018
Happy Bookers Oct. 2018.
The audio book from the library was the full edition - lots of details about the Amazon - trees, jungle, water, fish, plants, men, family relationships, etc. Very interesting and a terrifying story, but somewhat repetitive as in all the descriptions of the rapids coming up.
Interesting how the "food" in the Amazon could not be found - Brazil nuts, edible plants, fish, animals - very poor planning, but the lack of knowledge and incorrect expectations due to lack of exploration is understandable.
Very interesting period/place. And the Roosevelt family personalities and ability to overcome adversities is inspiring.
The hard copy in libraries is often the junior biography edition!
The audio book from the library was the full edition - lots of details about the Amazon - trees, jungle, water, fish, plants, men, family relationships, etc. Very interesting and a terrifying story, but somewhat repetitive as in all the descriptions of the rapids coming up.
Interesting how the "food" in the Amazon could not be found - Brazil nuts, edible plants, fish, animals - very poor planning, but the lack of knowledge and incorrect expectations due to lack of exploration is understandable.
Very interesting period/place. And the Roosevelt family personalities and ability to overcome adversities is inspiring.
The hard copy in libraries is often the junior biography edition!
July 27, 2017
This book was fascinating!
It had anything a teen or tween could want! Adventure, death plots, cannibals, weaponry, loyalty, and justice. This work provides a brief insight into the life of Theodore Roosevelt and digs into his trip through the River of Doubt. Roosevelt and several other important explorers traveled this previously unexplored and un-mapped river in South America. They faced rapids, hostile animals and hostile people along their long trip through the Amazon jungle.
I was (unexpectedly) completely sucked in by this book. It was super interesting and fast paced. The content was not dry. I now want to read more about Roosevelt.
It had anything a teen or tween could want! Adventure, death plots, cannibals, weaponry, loyalty, and justice. This work provides a brief insight into the life of Theodore Roosevelt and digs into his trip through the River of Doubt. Roosevelt and several other important explorers traveled this previously unexplored and un-mapped river in South America. They faced rapids, hostile animals and hostile people along their long trip through the Amazon jungle.
I was (unexpectedly) completely sucked in by this book. It was super interesting and fast paced. The content was not dry. I now want to read more about Roosevelt.
September 16, 2017
This audio book was good. Narrator did a fine job. Wished the author wrote a lengthier work. More could've been spent on Roosevelt's childhood. I know the focus was the expedition, but explaining or about his childhood and love of science in depth would have helped. In the audiobook version, they don't really address the gathering of specimens is shooting, killing, and skinning.
There was some bias language with referring to the South America native tribes Indians, and 'discovering' the Brazilian river, when native tribes had lived along it in isolation. Proper language framing is key to trying to combat the bias of language of history.
There was some bias language with referring to the South America native tribes Indians, and 'discovering' the Brazilian river, when native tribes had lived along it in isolation. Proper language framing is key to trying to combat the bias of language of history.
March 6, 2017
Death on the River of Doubt takes readers inside the thrilling journey that unfolds as Roosevelt, Rondon, Kermit, and their companions navigate an unpredictable river through an unforgiving jungle. With new threats at every turn, from bloodthirsty piranhas and raging rapids to starvation, disease, and a traitor in their own ranks, it seems that not everyone will make it out alive.
Through it all, the indomitable Teddy Roosevelt remained determined to complete their mission and rewrite the map of the world. Or die trying. Reviewer #27
October 16, 2017
Action adventure in spades!
President Teddy Roosevelt was an extraordinary man, this non-fiction story of his post-presidency exploration in Brazil makes clear. This is true in terms of his leadership (what I have is yours) and his insatiable curiosity. I loved his relationship with his son Kermit.
This tale of exploration in the Amazon made me grateful for my comfy bed, glad to find Brazil nuts to buy (& fortunately no monkeys available for purchase in the butcher section), and squeamish about malaria.
A fine example of narrative non-fiction that goes down smoothly.
President Teddy Roosevelt was an extraordinary man, this non-fiction story of his post-presidency exploration in Brazil makes clear. This is true in terms of his leadership (what I have is yours) and his insatiable curiosity. I loved his relationship with his son Kermit.
This tale of exploration in the Amazon made me grateful for my comfy bed, glad to find Brazil nuts to buy (& fortunately no monkeys available for purchase in the butcher section), and squeamish about malaria.
A fine example of narrative non-fiction that goes down smoothly.
February 10, 2021
I had no idea! None whatsoever!
An easy middle-school read, but engaging and very interesting. Aside from his image craved on a mountainside (which I’ve had the good fortune to see twice to date) and my parents telling me he was a bad president because of all the land he claimed for conservation on a federal level, I knew nothing of President Theodore Roosevelt. And while this story doesn’t focus on much outside of his exploration in South America, it does an excellent job of painting a picture of his character as a man.
Glad I read it.
An easy middle-school read, but engaging and very interesting. Aside from his image craved on a mountainside (which I’ve had the good fortune to see twice to date) and my parents telling me he was a bad president because of all the land he claimed for conservation on a federal level, I knew nothing of President Theodore Roosevelt. And while this story doesn’t focus on much outside of his exploration in South America, it does an excellent job of painting a picture of his character as a man.
Glad I read it.
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