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DJ #0.5
Jungle Land
DJ is always thrilled to spend time with his grandfather, a person he idolizes. When his grandfather announces that he's going to take all of his grandsons on individual adventures, it seems only fair that DJ, as the oldest grandchild, will get his adventure first. An adventure that sees his grandfather at the controls of a small plane as the two fly to Central America for a week. But when someone tries to kidnap him, DJ must flee through the jungle and down a crocodile-infested river, pursued by armed gunmen. When he isn't busy trying to stay alive, DJ discovers things about himself he never suspected and uncovers information that leads him to believe his beloved grandfather is living a secret life.
In this exciting prequel to Between Heaven and Earth and Sleeper, the responsible and athletically gifted DJ flies to Central America.
In this exciting prequel to Between Heaven and Earth and Sleeper, the responsible and athletically gifted DJ flies to Central America.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2016
About the author
Eric Walters
168 books928 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 28, 2020
The premise of this series is pretty cool. In The Seven Prequels, seven authors each write a story about seven grandsons who have an adventure with their grandfather, David McLean. Although the stories can be read in any order, I plan on reading them in the order listed.
In this first book, DJ is taken to Central America by his grandfather to visit an old friend. While there, DJ is introduced to Alejandra, who is granddaughter to the old friend. DJ and Alejandra have a few adventures in the time that DJ is there.
I enjoyed the adventure in this book, but was hoping to learn more about DJ’s grandfather.
In this first book, DJ is taken to Central America by his grandfather to visit an old friend. While there, DJ is introduced to Alejandra, who is granddaughter to the old friend. DJ and Alejandra have a few adventures in the time that DJ is there.
I enjoyed the adventure in this book, but was hoping to learn more about DJ’s grandfather.
August 8, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Jungle Land" is author Eric Walters's prequel to his "Seven" series (which I've never read) and is recommended for ages 9+. I would personally recommend it for ages 9-12; kids older than that may find it too juvenile for their liking.
13-year-old DJ is always happy to spend time with his grandfather. When Grandpa picks DJ to be the first of his grandchildren to go on an adventure, DJ is thrilled. A seasoned pilot, Grandpa flies the two of them to Central America to visit an old friend. While there, DJ meets Alejandra, granddaughter of Grandpa's friend Juan. Alejandra has a bit of a chip on her shoulder, and she and DJ do not hit it off to begin with. However, when the kids find themselves in a life-threatening situation that requires them to muster their survival skills, the two are forced to work together. With armed men chasing after them, DJ and Alejandra flee through the jaguar-filled jungle and caiman-infested waters in a desperate attempt to get help, all the while not knowing what happened to their respective grandfathers. Will they escape? Will they be shot or eaten by caimans in the process? And what happened to their grandfathers?
For a book of such short length (153 pages of fairly large type - I read the entire book in one sitting), it was packed with lots of action. Although a little slow to start, as soon as the action kicked in, it didn't let up until the very end. What a fun, adventurous book for young readers!
"Jungle Land" is author Eric Walters's prequel to his "Seven" series (which I've never read) and is recommended for ages 9+. I would personally recommend it for ages 9-12; kids older than that may find it too juvenile for their liking.
13-year-old DJ is always happy to spend time with his grandfather. When Grandpa picks DJ to be the first of his grandchildren to go on an adventure, DJ is thrilled. A seasoned pilot, Grandpa flies the two of them to Central America to visit an old friend. While there, DJ meets Alejandra, granddaughter of Grandpa's friend Juan. Alejandra has a bit of a chip on her shoulder, and she and DJ do not hit it off to begin with. However, when the kids find themselves in a life-threatening situation that requires them to muster their survival skills, the two are forced to work together. With armed men chasing after them, DJ and Alejandra flee through the jaguar-filled jungle and caiman-infested waters in a desperate attempt to get help, all the while not knowing what happened to their respective grandfathers. Will they escape? Will they be shot or eaten by caimans in the process? And what happened to their grandfathers?
For a book of such short length (153 pages of fairly large type - I read the entire book in one sitting), it was packed with lots of action. Although a little slow to start, as soon as the action kicked in, it didn't let up until the very end. What a fun, adventurous book for young readers!
August 21, 2018
This book was one of the first ones which I started to read for English class. After I had started to read it, I had fallen in love with it because I was able to relate to this book very well. This has to do with the fact that I am also a twin and the older one. I just loved reading it and am now reading the whole series and I'm loving them all.
April 7, 2022
This book is absolutely fire, prlly one of the best book I ever read. My favourite character was probably DJ. This is very good. I really Really really really really like it. It very emotional and touching. Reading this book was an emotional roller coaster. P.S I love Jaxon Paul Arnold.
April 7, 2022
i love this book it rises my emotions up and down like a roller coaster. DJ has been through some ups and downs lately but i know he will get through this era by striving forward everyday. FYI jaxon paul arnold is a cool kid
April 7, 2022
This book has made me be able to truly express my emotions. This book was AMAZING! D.J has been through many tough obstacles but has shown that he is a warrior and has overcome all of these obstacles. Thanks to Eric Walters for writing this book.
October 29, 2016
Fast paced read and storyline. I enjoyed it! Give to your middle schoolers who need an easy read with adventure.
December 5, 2018
its pretty interesting and i like it so far and its fun to read and its a very funny book so i enjoy it allot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2020
Jungle Land is my favourite book by Eric Walters for several reasons. First of all, it's filled with suspense. Also, there's a happy ending, which is always good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. This is the first book I read in this series, and I hope they are all like this one.
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December 19, 2024Oh yaaaaaaa. He did it again!
January 29, 2026
really great book.
August 13, 2016
I won Jungle Land through Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.
This book was rather interesting, I am not sure what I was expecting but the surprising twist at the end was not it at all. I loved the twist. We start with a young boy and his grandfather riding in a plane, that I might add the boy did not like flying. Although he didn't like flying he loved his grandfather and spending time with him was one of his favorite things to do. They're journey to Central America was long but, I believe, well worth it. They come to a humongous mansion out in the middle of the jungle, it is surrounded by a fence to keep the critters out, although if you believed the little girl in the book it was to keep people out as well. The friend of his grandpa is mysterious and very rich, his granddaughter? (I can't remember what she was to him anymore) was snobby and a bit stuck up but I warmed to her as I learned more about her more fearful nature. They visit a giant waterfall and swim in it - how there aren't caimans there is beyond me, when they seem to be everywhere else water related in the book. Maybe they just don't like waterfalls. Later that night explosions ring out and the terror sets in. They hide, they run men chasing them. The jungle is dark, their fear is real, as is their danger from wild animals. Luckily everything turns out alright in the end but I literally felt their terror, their surprise, the young boy's feelings of inadequacy over the gun. All of it felt real despite the short length of the story everything fell into place quite well. I certainly enjoyed it.
This book was rather interesting, I am not sure what I was expecting but the surprising twist at the end was not it at all. I loved the twist. We start with a young boy and his grandfather riding in a plane, that I might add the boy did not like flying. Although he didn't like flying he loved his grandfather and spending time with him was one of his favorite things to do. They're journey to Central America was long but, I believe, well worth it. They come to a humongous mansion out in the middle of the jungle, it is surrounded by a fence to keep the critters out, although if you believed the little girl in the book it was to keep people out as well. The friend of his grandpa is mysterious and very rich, his granddaughter? (I can't remember what she was to him anymore) was snobby and a bit stuck up but I warmed to her as I learned more about her more fearful nature. They visit a giant waterfall and swim in it - how there aren't caimans there is beyond me, when they seem to be everywhere else water related in the book. Maybe they just don't like waterfalls. Later that night explosions ring out and the terror sets in. They hide, they run men chasing them. The jungle is dark, their fear is real, as is their danger from wild animals. Luckily everything turns out alright in the end but I literally felt their terror, their surprise, the young boy's feelings of inadequacy over the gun. All of it felt real despite the short length of the story everything fell into place quite well. I certainly enjoyed it.
August 4, 2016
DJ goes on an adventure with his grandfather to Central America. His grandfather is an importer/ exporter with his own plane, they go to see a friend of the grandfather, also an importer/ exporter in the jungle. When Canadian DJ sees the castle, the walls, the armed guards, the servants, he knows he’s not in Ontario anymore. His host brings with him his granddaughter with an overactive imagination, and they really go on an adventure.
This is MG/ YA book for kids who like Gary Paulsen's Hatchet books, or Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George. This ARC came from Library Thing 7.25.16. Thanks Library Thing and publishers!
This is MG/ YA book for kids who like Gary Paulsen's Hatchet books, or Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George. This ARC came from Library Thing 7.25.16. Thanks Library Thing and publishers!
November 27, 2016
Fast simple story about a boy and his grandfather who fly to Central America to visit his grandfather's friend. While there, the boy and the granddaughter of the estate owner have quite the adventure caused by a complete misunderstanding. What they think is explosions is really fireworks being set off for their entertainment, and what they think are kidnappers trying to break into the safe room is really the housekeeper trying to get them to come out and enjoy the fireworks. Instead they "escape" down a river almost die after going through some rapids but eventually get rescued. It would be an entertaining story for a reluctant reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2016
All DJ wanted was to go with his grandfather on a trip. Well, he got that. A pilot with lots of experience, Grampa and DJ head out to see an old friend in Central America. They land and DJ finds that the granddaughter of Juan de Carlo is also visiting and, in DJs eyes, that is so not good. But is mind will change as things move along.
This is a really good YA book which, I will admit, surprised me at the end. Well told in first person by DJ it is the perfect voice for a teen who is alternately scared, awed and caring.
This is a really good YA book which, I will admit, surprised me at the end. Well told in first person by DJ it is the perfect voice for a teen who is alternately scared, awed and caring.
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February 7, 2017Jungle Land is a book aimed at a younger audience. This becomes obvious early on, as some of the dialogue involves explaining concepts, giving details about local dishes, and offering translations for short phrases in Spanish. It is a quick read for an adult, with an interesting plot; a grandfather takes his grandson to visit an old friend in a foreign country and things go slightly awry due to some misunderstandings and adventure-minded teens. I thought that the main character, DJ, was very introspective which allowed the character to develop, and also made him a good character for younger readers to relate to. However, I felt that Alejandra, the girl who hung out with DJ, was a very flat character who could have been developed a lot more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews