The American Jungle: The Adventures of Charlie Pierce

by Jon Vanzile (Editor), James Balkovek (Illustrator)

Children's adventure stories based on actual people, places and events on the south Florida frontier during the late 19th century.

109 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Bethany F · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Adventures of Charlie Pierce series, The American Jungle is a historical fiction text that was written by Harvey Oliver III, the great-grandnephew of Charlie Pearce, a pioneer in Florida's history. This text tells the story of a young Charlie Pierce as he and his family navigate the "wilderness" of Southern Florida, inhabited by the Seminole Indians and a few other pioneer families. Charlie's adventures include exploring old battlefields from the Seminole Wars that took place in Florida, surviving through the unrelenting heat, humidity, hurricanes, and not to mention alligators and palmetto bugs.
This series serves as a fictional adventure filled set of stories that addresses Florida's history dating back to the 1830's. Written from actual manuscripts and diaries from Charlie Pierce himself as well as family stories passed down, Florida's history comes alive through the eyes of a child. Awarded the President's Gold Medal Book Award from the Florida Publishers Association, this text would be great to partner with nonfiction materials and sources to learn about Florida's early history. This series is often used in late elementary and middle schools.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great kids' book based on a historical family of Florida settlers. My 4 year old loved listening to it, we will be continuing the series for sure. He also loves that there is a sketch for every chapter. He listens in rapt attention as we read!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to preview for my kids, but I really enjoyed these family stories of early settlers in south Florida. Lots of interesting details. I'm looking forward to reading with my kids and to getting the rest of the books.

[Doug Maffett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about West Palm Beach's history.

[Jeff Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

History of Charlie Pierce and family in South Florida. Children’s book is first in trilogy. Fun to read because I recognize the names of the places and learn about history of our snowbird home.

[Chana Billet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in Harvey Oyer's trilogy of children's books about Florida history. Wonderfully told and historically accurate, this book is about Oyer's great-great grandfather, Charlie Pierce, who journeyed with his parents from Chicago to settle in the Florida, or what was then known as "the American jungle." And, what a jungle it was! Thank you Mr. Oyer for bringing this wonderful era of history alive for my kids.

[Jay Are · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been raised in Florida, I thought it was important to read this book and to read it to my kids. Although I'll be honest and say that I did not think it would be any good, but I'm glad I was wrong. Harvey is actually a talented storyteller and the story is so intriguing. I actually never wanted to stop reading it. And all of the Florida history facts thrown in are a lot of fun.