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Lost in the River of Grass
"I don't realize I'm crying until he glances at me. For a moment, I see the look of anguish in his eyes, then he blinks it away and slips off into the water. I immediately think of the gator. It's still down there somewhere..."
A science-class field trip to the Everglades is supposed to be fun, but Sarah's new at Glades Academy, and her fellow freshmen aren't exactly making her feel welcome. When an opportunity for an unauthorized side trip on an airboat presents itself, it seems like a perfect escape—an afternoon without feeling like a sore thumb. But one simple oversight turns a joyride into a race for survival across the river of grass. They're forced to walk out of the Everglades (they've got a knife, a small amount of Gatorade and some suspicious Spam). Sarah will have to count on her instincts—and a guy she barely knows—if they have any hope of making it back alive.
Lost in the River of Grass takes on the classic survival genre using one of the country's most unique wild places as a backdrop. It is in the tradition of survival stories like Hatchet or My Side of the Mountain, where the young protagonist finds herself as she struggles to survive in an unforgiving wilderness. In this tense, character-driven thriller, Sarah must overcome prejudice and the unforgiving wilderness in a struggle to survive.
A science-class field trip to the Everglades is supposed to be fun, but Sarah's new at Glades Academy, and her fellow freshmen aren't exactly making her feel welcome. When an opportunity for an unauthorized side trip on an airboat presents itself, it seems like a perfect escape—an afternoon without feeling like a sore thumb. But one simple oversight turns a joyride into a race for survival across the river of grass. They're forced to walk out of the Everglades (they've got a knife, a small amount of Gatorade and some suspicious Spam). Sarah will have to count on her instincts—and a guy she barely knows—if they have any hope of making it back alive.
Lost in the River of Grass takes on the classic survival genre using one of the country's most unique wild places as a backdrop. It is in the tradition of survival stories like Hatchet or My Side of the Mountain, where the young protagonist finds herself as she struggles to survive in an unforgiving wilderness. In this tense, character-driven thriller, Sarah must overcome prejudice and the unforgiving wilderness in a struggle to survive.
255 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2010
69 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Rorby
16 books137 followersGinny Rorby was raised in Winter Park, Florida, and lived in Miami during her career as a Pan American flight attendant. Midway through that career, she enrolled in the University of Miami to pursue an undergraduate degree in biology, graduated and changed direction again. She went on to receive an MFA in Creative Writing from Florida International University. Her goal, after wrapping up her flying career and her graduate studies, was to move someplace where she would never be hot again. She now lives on the chilly coast of northern California. Ginny is the author 6 novels for Middle Grade and Young Adults readers: Freeing Finch, How to Speak Dolphin, Lost in the River of Grass, winner of the 2012 / 2013 Sunshine State Young Readers Award; Hurt Go Happy, winner of the 2008 American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award. The Outside of a Horse and Dolphin Sky. Ginny is a past director of the Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference.
Her most recent novel, Like Dust, I Rise, is a Coming of Age novel set in Texas during the Dust Bowl.
Her most recent novel, Like Dust, I Rise, is a Coming of Age novel set in Texas during the Dust Bowl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
August 31, 2011
I'm having a bit of a guilty conscious thinking of why I read this book, and no it's not the cover (I actually don't have too many qualms about reading a book because of that, yeah I know I'm scandalously shameless). I read it because the page count was relatively low and I really need to bring up my book count fast so I'm not so utterly behind on the book challenge. Well, luckily for me the book packs a good amount of storytelling and I appreciate a well told story.
Sarah is a freshman at Glades Academy and in an uncharacteristic move decides to take a science class trip to the Everglades. She is a scholarship kid and because of it feels like she doesn't fit in and is a bit ostracized by the other girls. On this field trip she will also do something she usually doesn't do, break the rules. While at the field trip she decides to take a boat ride with a guy who works at the Everglades. But it isn't picture perfect as it should have been because one careless mistake will leave them stranded where nobody will find them for days. They'll have to venture out in the dangerous world of the Everglades where not many make it out unscathed.
The characters are important to the story but I think the "character" that who steals the show is the Everglades itself. It acts as teacher to Sarah and Andy, and I can tell the author has a respectful love for this environment and that showed through the pages. You could feel the heat, tension, and weird fascination of this harsh environment. I'm so glad this book didn't take a typical route of having the book central around Sarah and Andy being lovey dovey (there is a little of that), but the book concentrates on how they want to survive and how they both pull out strength they thought they didn't have to move forward even when it seems like they won't get through this.
Sarah's voice felt realistic, and even though in the beginning I thought she complained a lot and she bickered too much with Andy it's probably what would happen. You are going to feel a bit ticked off when you are in a dire life and death situation. It was interesting to witness the unfolding of the two main characters background. Sarah doesn't come from a privileged family but Andy assumes she does. On the other hand Sarah assumes Andy is confident and has everything together, but in reality he doesn't have real direction and feels like he's been handed the short end of the stick when it comes to life. They kind of counter-balance each other, and fit together because they both want to do better in their own way.
After reading this book I feel like I need to brush up on my survival skills because they are seriously lacking. Goodness, what am I saying?!?! I need a major overhaul.
Sidenote:I just have to say I think a may be a teeny bit heartless because most of the time I was on Andy side when it came to their little companion Teapot. But I have to say he came in handy on more than one occasion.
Sarah is a freshman at Glades Academy and in an uncharacteristic move decides to take a science class trip to the Everglades. She is a scholarship kid and because of it feels like she doesn't fit in and is a bit ostracized by the other girls. On this field trip she will also do something she usually doesn't do, break the rules. While at the field trip she decides to take a boat ride with a guy who works at the Everglades. But it isn't picture perfect as it should have been because one careless mistake will leave them stranded where nobody will find them for days. They'll have to venture out in the dangerous world of the Everglades where not many make it out unscathed.
The characters are important to the story but I think the "character" that who steals the show is the Everglades itself. It acts as teacher to Sarah and Andy, and I can tell the author has a respectful love for this environment and that showed through the pages. You could feel the heat, tension, and weird fascination of this harsh environment. I'm so glad this book didn't take a typical route of having the book central around Sarah and Andy being lovey dovey (there is a little of that), but the book concentrates on how they want to survive and how they both pull out strength they thought they didn't have to move forward even when it seems like they won't get through this.
Sarah's voice felt realistic, and even though in the beginning I thought she complained a lot and she bickered too much with Andy it's probably what would happen. You are going to feel a bit ticked off when you are in a dire life and death situation. It was interesting to witness the unfolding of the two main characters background. Sarah doesn't come from a privileged family but Andy assumes she does. On the other hand Sarah assumes Andy is confident and has everything together, but in reality he doesn't have real direction and feels like he's been handed the short end of the stick when it comes to life. They kind of counter-balance each other, and fit together because they both want to do better in their own way.
After reading this book I feel like I need to brush up on my survival skills because they are seriously lacking. Goodness, what am I saying?!?! I need a major overhaul.
Sidenote:I just have to say I think a may be a teeny bit heartless because most of the time I was on Andy side when it came to their little companion Teapot. But I have to say he came in handy on more than one occasion.
November 16, 2018
The beginning was a slog as I wanted less of Sarah's whining and of the mean girls. And I'm not sure how I felt about the bad decisions and the first kiss, even though we do know that young teens are often exactly like that. I did appreciate that they did act their age, sharp & brave & selfish & heedless all at once. And I liked the ending. 3.5 stars rounded up because it's so original.
And of course now those of you who are mature enough are off to read The African Queen, right?
And of course now those of you who are mature enough are off to read The African Queen, right?
November 27, 2010
Sarah feels like an outcast at her new school, a feeling only exemplified when her science class goes on a field trip to the Everglades. So when a local boy named Andy offers her an unauthorized airboat ride, she jumps at the chance to get away from her snarky classmates, and pretends to be sick so she can sneak off. Andy takes her to the heart of the swamp, but once there a horrible accident occurs. Their boat sinks. Now stranded in the middle of the Everglades, surrounded by gators, poisonous snakes, and miles of swamp, these two teenagers will have to wade across the river of grass if they want to survive.
This book taught me a few things:
1. I would not last five minutes in the Everglades
2. Spam isn't all that bad when you are starving
3. Don't let the boy hold the gatorade
4. I'm a cold-hearted person because I would have let that little duck die
5. The difference between the kingsnake and coral snake
6. Gators dig holes
7. 13 yr old girls are dumb
This whole book is because of a pretty poor decision. No, not the one made by Andy, because he forgot to do something to the boat which caused it to sink, but the one made by Sarah. Now, in what universe is it okay to go off with a boy you don't know in the middle of the wilderness without telling anyone else where you are going? Hmmmm? Even aliens ain't that stupid. But she is only 13, and lonely, and she was kind of smart the rest of the time, so I'll let this one slide. But let this serve as a warning. Go off alone with a boy and you will get eaten alive by mosquitos.
Anyway, this was a quick read, and a refreshing one. It was a good ol' fashioned book about survival, and not one about surviving the end of the world, or something like that. This book is a good one for people looking to get away from the vapid drama of most YA novels. These kids here got some real problems.
There were a few other little things that annoyed me besides the blatant mistake of the narrator. First off, Livestrong bracelets? Soooo 2005. Second off, the short (thank heavens) conversation about smoking pot was painful to read about. I think the author should stick to writing adventure novels and never foray into contemporary YA lit. And lastly, I had no idea the main character was black. Was this mentioned in the beginning of the novel and I missed it? I was imagining Sarah as some fair-skinned, blonde girl, but nope. In the last chapters she was all like "I'm black!!" It just threw me off that the picture I made through out the entire book was wrong.
Overall, not something I would usually pick up, so it was different. it reminded me off all the survival books I had to read in sixth grade (Julie of the Wolves, Hatchet, My Side of the Mountain), and its nice to see the genre isn't dead.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me view a copy!
This book taught me a few things:
1. I would not last five minutes in the Everglades
2. Spam isn't all that bad when you are starving
3. Don't let the boy hold the gatorade
4. I'm a cold-hearted person because I would have let that little duck die
5. The difference between the kingsnake and coral snake
6. Gators dig holes
7. 13 yr old girls are dumb
This whole book is because of a pretty poor decision. No, not the one made by Andy, because he forgot to do something to the boat which caused it to sink, but the one made by Sarah. Now, in what universe is it okay to go off with a boy you don't know in the middle of the wilderness without telling anyone else where you are going? Hmmmm? Even aliens ain't that stupid. But she is only 13, and lonely, and she was kind of smart the rest of the time, so I'll let this one slide. But let this serve as a warning. Go off alone with a boy and you will get eaten alive by mosquitos.
Anyway, this was a quick read, and a refreshing one. It was a good ol' fashioned book about survival, and not one about surviving the end of the world, or something like that. This book is a good one for people looking to get away from the vapid drama of most YA novels. These kids here got some real problems.
There were a few other little things that annoyed me besides the blatant mistake of the narrator. First off, Livestrong bracelets? Soooo 2005. Second off, the short (thank heavens) conversation about smoking pot was painful to read about. I think the author should stick to writing adventure novels and never foray into contemporary YA lit. And lastly, I had no idea the main character was black. Was this mentioned in the beginning of the novel and I missed it? I was imagining Sarah as some fair-skinned, blonde girl, but nope. In the last chapters she was all like "I'm black!!" It just threw me off that the picture I made through out the entire book was wrong.
Overall, not something I would usually pick up, so it was different. it reminded me off all the survival books I had to read in sixth grade (Julie of the Wolves, Hatchet, My Side of the Mountain), and its nice to see the genre isn't dead.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me view a copy!
February 22, 2012
Lost in the River of Grass made me wonder if I would tackle and go through nature’s twisted sense of humor, gators, frogs, roaches, spiders, ants, pond scum, mosquitoes, and water, so much water for a cute, charming boy? Come On! Hell, yeah I would! :D
Welcome to the Everglades where a class field trip can turn into a struggle to survive in a blink of an eye! Sarah is new in school and feeling very much excluded from her classmates on their weekend trip to Florida’s Everglades. So when cute, charming, local boy, Andy, smiles and invites Sarah for an airboat ride and tour—Sarah jumps at the opportunity to sneak way from her group. But the pair finds themselves stranded in the swamp like, humid, claustrophobic and deadly river of grass with no other choice but to lean on each other to survive. Can these two strangers work together to get out alive?
Well to confess—I was kind of hoping Sarah would get eaten by an alligator for much of the book! She whined, picked, and acted with such snottiness that there was just no other choice but to dislike her at times. But that is also pretty realistic behavior for a situation swimming in fear and tension. I mean really—how would I have reacted? After screaming and rolling up in ball—complaining would have most likely been my next option. :D Andy on the other hand was a rock star! Not without faults of his own, but I loved this kid just the same! His patience with Sarah, snakes, their situation, and even baby ducks was awe inspiring and touching. As these two kids from different worlds and obstacles began to talk, open up, trust each other, and see beyond their assumptions—I truly began to pull them both into my heart.
The true headliner and star of this story is the Everglades though. The Everglades is actually a very wide and shallow river with saw grass, cypress trees, and swamps. Andy and Sarah are able to walk, wade, and slog through the water because it is so shallow in parts. I have always been fascinated by this dangerous wonder of southern Florida and this book truly teaches readers a lot of the wildlife and area. In this quick read, I learned more about snakes and gators than I ever did in all of my science classes combined! Ms. Rorby’s words and pace make readers swat at bugs, feel the heat, darkness, hunger, and danger around every turn of Sarah and Andy’s trek through the Everglades.
And truly how many places are there in the world where you could actually say—Hope you get eaten by an alligator--and actually have it happen. Now that is the greatest place on earth! :D
Sarah and Andy’s suspense filled adventure inspired me to learn more of the Everglades and its habitants and realize the true responsibly and power of teamwork. We just never know what can happen in this world to change us. A simple class trip can change how you look at the world and yourself.
What would you do to survive?
Welcome to the Everglades where a class field trip can turn into a struggle to survive in a blink of an eye! Sarah is new in school and feeling very much excluded from her classmates on their weekend trip to Florida’s Everglades. So when cute, charming, local boy, Andy, smiles and invites Sarah for an airboat ride and tour—Sarah jumps at the opportunity to sneak way from her group. But the pair finds themselves stranded in the swamp like, humid, claustrophobic and deadly river of grass with no other choice but to lean on each other to survive. Can these two strangers work together to get out alive?
Well to confess—I was kind of hoping Sarah would get eaten by an alligator for much of the book! She whined, picked, and acted with such snottiness that there was just no other choice but to dislike her at times. But that is also pretty realistic behavior for a situation swimming in fear and tension. I mean really—how would I have reacted? After screaming and rolling up in ball—complaining would have most likely been my next option. :D Andy on the other hand was a rock star! Not without faults of his own, but I loved this kid just the same! His patience with Sarah, snakes, their situation, and even baby ducks was awe inspiring and touching. As these two kids from different worlds and obstacles began to talk, open up, trust each other, and see beyond their assumptions—I truly began to pull them both into my heart.
The true headliner and star of this story is the Everglades though. The Everglades is actually a very wide and shallow river with saw grass, cypress trees, and swamps. Andy and Sarah are able to walk, wade, and slog through the water because it is so shallow in parts. I have always been fascinated by this dangerous wonder of southern Florida and this book truly teaches readers a lot of the wildlife and area. In this quick read, I learned more about snakes and gators than I ever did in all of my science classes combined! Ms. Rorby’s words and pace make readers swat at bugs, feel the heat, darkness, hunger, and danger around every turn of Sarah and Andy’s trek through the Everglades.
And truly how many places are there in the world where you could actually say—Hope you get eaten by an alligator--and actually have it happen. Now that is the greatest place on earth! :D
Sarah and Andy’s suspense filled adventure inspired me to learn more of the Everglades and its habitants and realize the true responsibly and power of teamwork. We just never know what can happen in this world to change us. A simple class trip can change how you look at the world and yourself.
What would you do to survive?
September 1, 2016
This book should have won a Newbery! I was immediately sucked into the story by the appealing character of Sarah—I know what it’s like to feel different, like an outsider. I was also intrigued by the unusual setting—the Florida Everglades. Sarah has come with her class on a field trip, but, feigning illness, she stays behind and opts for an airboat ride with a local boy, Andy. Their day of leisure turns to horror as, returning from exploring an island, they find that their airboat has sunk, and they realize that they must hike back to civilization through the swamp. How will they survive? Rorby obviously did a great deal of research for this book, as she captures both the beauty and the many dangers of the Everglades vividly. I was pleased to see that she even included an encounter with a Burmese python, an invasive creature only recently discovered inhabiting those waters. The suspense of not knowing whether they’d both make it out unscathed made this a page-turner that I just couldn’t put down, and that I hated to see end.
While this is a story very much about place, it’s also about the maturing of the two main characters. Andy feels that he’ll be stuck in a small town in the Everglades forever, even though he would like to get out. Sarah is timid and unsure of herself in her new school. Both characters learn about themselves and grow in the course of the story. Neither of them are the same at the end as they were in the beginning. I’m not sure why Rorby chose to reveal that Sarah is black until the end of the story, though there were a few subtle hints along the way. I honestly don’t think it would have made a bit of difference to the plot.
There was a third character in the tale that I just loved—Teapot, the orphaned duckling. Not only did Sarah and Andy have to survive themselves, but Sarah needed to ensure Teapot’s survival as well. I had the feeling at the end of the story that Sarah might choose a career in biology or the environment some day because of this experience.
Even though I loathe heat and humidity, this story made me want to experience the Everglades just once, may take an airboat ride, though with protection against the sawgrass and lots of mosquito repellant. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. A great adventure story well told.
While this is a story very much about place, it’s also about the maturing of the two main characters. Andy feels that he’ll be stuck in a small town in the Everglades forever, even though he would like to get out. Sarah is timid and unsure of herself in her new school. Both characters learn about themselves and grow in the course of the story. Neither of them are the same at the end as they were in the beginning. I’m not sure why Rorby chose to reveal that Sarah is black until the end of the story, though there were a few subtle hints along the way. I honestly don’t think it would have made a bit of difference to the plot.
There was a third character in the tale that I just loved—Teapot, the orphaned duckling. Not only did Sarah and Andy have to survive themselves, but Sarah needed to ensure Teapot’s survival as well. I had the feeling at the end of the story that Sarah might choose a career in biology or the environment some day because of this experience.
Even though I loathe heat and humidity, this story made me want to experience the Everglades just once, may take an airboat ride, though with protection against the sawgrass and lots of mosquito repellant. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. A great adventure story well told.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2015
"Well, quit thinking everything is an alligator. They are more afraid of you than you are of them."
"Maybe that's true for you, but I can promise it's not so for me."
I've been reading so many good books lately that I can't help but feel lucky. Lost in the River of Grass was no exception: it kept me occupied for two days. I even forgot about the huge amount of study I was supposed to be doing. (Whoops.)
The book is about the adventure that two kids, Andy and Sarah, are forced to face when the boat that took them deep in the Everglades sinks and no other person knows were they are.
Actually, there's more than that: this is a book about two kids fighting for survival, learning what finding yourself in a very dangerous situation truly means. But at the same time, it's a great example of how most of the times, what really stops us are our own fears and prejudices.
What can I say about Andy and Sarah? They were perfect, acting like teenagers would, even when that meant acting in the wrong way, which is what made this novel so realistic and engaging and, although the plot itself wasn't amazing, it was good enough to make, with the addiction of Sarah's charming perspective, an excellent book.
There is something that deserve a special place: Teapot, the little duck that follows the protagonists through their adventures, added a sweet, and sometimes funny, aspect to the story that made it all more enjoyable.
"Maybe that's true for you, but I can promise it's not so for me."
I've been reading so many good books lately that I can't help but feel lucky. Lost in the River of Grass was no exception: it kept me occupied for two days. I even forgot about the huge amount of study I was supposed to be doing. (Whoops.)
The book is about the adventure that two kids, Andy and Sarah, are forced to face when the boat that took them deep in the Everglades sinks and no other person knows were they are.
Actually, there's more than that: this is a book about two kids fighting for survival, learning what finding yourself in a very dangerous situation truly means. But at the same time, it's a great example of how most of the times, what really stops us are our own fears and prejudices.
What can I say about Andy and Sarah? They were perfect, acting like teenagers would, even when that meant acting in the wrong way, which is what made this novel so realistic and engaging and, although the plot itself wasn't amazing, it was good enough to make, with the addiction of Sarah's charming perspective, an excellent book.
There is something that deserve a special place: Teapot, the little duck that follows the protagonists through their adventures, added a sweet, and sometimes funny, aspect to the story that made it all more enjoyable.
December 29, 2010
This book truly surprised me. I honestly thought I’d be up late at night jumping whenever I heard a strange sound while reading. (It’s all Ginny’s fault for saying “I hope you like snakes” before I read it . . .) Luckily enough for my heart (and nerves) this wasn’t the case. Ginny Rorby must have magic fingertips that float across her keyboard for her to show us such a beautiful, stunning, and intriguing story. Really, there is no other explanation. Want proof? Read Lost in the River Grass. This is a story of survival after the two main characters, Sarah and Andy, are left stranded in the middle of the Everglades with ten miles separating them from civilization. This may not seem like a lot, but when all you see is marshes, alligators, snakes, and muddy water, you might reconsider.
One of my favorite things about this novel was the way Ginny focused less on the useless details and more on the important (and interesting) parts. You see, Sarah is an outsider at her school where her mother works in the cafeteria. She’s stranded on a field trip with a bunch of girls that loathe her just because she isn’t rich, and the only thing she’s able to look forward to is an airboat ride that Andy offers her. When the airboat sinks due to Andy’s mistake of forgetting to put the plug in, everything in Sarah’s life—school, the mean girls there, the fact that she’s black with a southerner whose father sports the confederate flag—disappears to be replaced with the primal instinct to survive. What would one do to save their life? In this situation, you’d either rise to the occasion or sink below waters to be swallowed whole by a ‘gator hole. (Or by a ‘gator . . . or snake . . . ekkkk!)
This is a powerful story that shows a young girl rising above it all, with no knowledge of how to live in the Everglades, and stepping out alive. Though Andy shows little to no fear and helps guide Sarah, it’s Sarah that actually becomes the brave one, facing truly magnificent—and deadly—scenarios in nature. At first with spine-chilling fear, and later with awe and amazement. When all the odds are against her, Sarah pushes through her uncomfortable boundaries to be the victor. I truly applaud Ginny for providing us with this brilliant novel. (Cue the clapping!)
One of my favorite things about this novel was the way Ginny focused less on the useless details and more on the important (and interesting) parts. You see, Sarah is an outsider at her school where her mother works in the cafeteria. She’s stranded on a field trip with a bunch of girls that loathe her just because she isn’t rich, and the only thing she’s able to look forward to is an airboat ride that Andy offers her. When the airboat sinks due to Andy’s mistake of forgetting to put the plug in, everything in Sarah’s life—school, the mean girls there, the fact that she’s black with a southerner whose father sports the confederate flag—disappears to be replaced with the primal instinct to survive. What would one do to save their life? In this situation, you’d either rise to the occasion or sink below waters to be swallowed whole by a ‘gator hole. (Or by a ‘gator . . . or snake . . . ekkkk!)
This is a powerful story that shows a young girl rising above it all, with no knowledge of how to live in the Everglades, and stepping out alive. Though Andy shows little to no fear and helps guide Sarah, it’s Sarah that actually becomes the brave one, facing truly magnificent—and deadly—scenarios in nature. At first with spine-chilling fear, and later with awe and amazement. When all the odds are against her, Sarah pushes through her uncomfortable boundaries to be the victor. I truly applaud Ginny for providing us with this brilliant novel. (Cue the clapping!)
January 5, 2011
Wow. I have to admit something. I did not think I would like this book. One, it is a YA book. I have not been the biggest supporter of the YA market as of late. It seems everyone is writing a YA book. Two, I thought the plot summary sounded crazy. How much can you write about regarding trying to survive in the Everglades? In my head, it is you are going to be eaten by gator or not. That’s it.
I was wrong!
I’m not going to go over how Sarah ended up in the Everglades with Andy since that seems minuscule in comparison to the adventure of Sarah and Andy getting out of the Everglades. Sarah and Andy are stuck in the Everglades. They are not stuck on a boat in the Everglades, not stuck in a cabin in the Everglades, but stuck in the actual physical swampy water with snakes, alligators, and other various creatures. They are not stuck for a few hours but for days. Think about this? Let me repeat this- stuck in the physical water with alligators, snakes and other various creatures. VERY bad things can and do happen.
Now for the two characters- Sarah and Andy.
Andy-
This is what I loved so much about this book. Andy lives in the Everglades. He knows about the swamps, the snakes, the alligators. He knows about “the circle of life,” and how animals kill animals, and possibly people too. Therefore, you think “big strong Alpha hero” right. Wrong. He is a very typical teenage boy. I love that he is flawed and he makes serious errors and Sarah, even with Andy’s good intentions, cannot fully count on him to get them out of the Everglades.
Sarah-
She is very typical teenage girl at the beginning. She is unsure, insecure, and scared of everything that someone not being raised in the Everglades would be scared of. However, you quickly realize she has a heart of gold and endless compassion for the life around her. Her relationship with Teacup is one of my favorite parts of the book. I will not even tell you who Teacup is. It is too precious to learn on your own.
Overall, this is a gem of a book. I’m giving it 4.5 stars out of 5. It would be 5 stars except the book is too short for the overall price of the book.
I was wrong!
I’m not going to go over how Sarah ended up in the Everglades with Andy since that seems minuscule in comparison to the adventure of Sarah and Andy getting out of the Everglades. Sarah and Andy are stuck in the Everglades. They are not stuck on a boat in the Everglades, not stuck in a cabin in the Everglades, but stuck in the actual physical swampy water with snakes, alligators, and other various creatures. They are not stuck for a few hours but for days. Think about this? Let me repeat this- stuck in the physical water with alligators, snakes and other various creatures. VERY bad things can and do happen.
Now for the two characters- Sarah and Andy.
Andy-
This is what I loved so much about this book. Andy lives in the Everglades. He knows about the swamps, the snakes, the alligators. He knows about “the circle of life,” and how animals kill animals, and possibly people too. Therefore, you think “big strong Alpha hero” right. Wrong. He is a very typical teenage boy. I love that he is flawed and he makes serious errors and Sarah, even with Andy’s good intentions, cannot fully count on him to get them out of the Everglades.
Sarah-
She is very typical teenage girl at the beginning. She is unsure, insecure, and scared of everything that someone not being raised in the Everglades would be scared of. However, you quickly realize she has a heart of gold and endless compassion for the life around her. Her relationship with Teacup is one of my favorite parts of the book. I will not even tell you who Teacup is. It is too precious to learn on your own.
Overall, this is a gem of a book. I’m giving it 4.5 stars out of 5. It would be 5 stars except the book is too short for the overall price of the book.
November 14, 2011
Interesting, I always thought when I was a kid I could live on my own in the wilderness. Just rub some sticks together and start a fire. Of course I'd need a knife to kill predators off too. Well I soon got in touch with reality and discovered that it wasn't that easy. And nature and me are not really that well acquainted, we interact on a need to know basis, but now reading about bugs crawling all over the protagonist has made these interactions even less desirable. Reading this was somewhat educational in a sobering way.
Sarah is at a new school on scholarship and doesn't feel like she fits in. We start with her on a field trip with all these kids who do not treat her too kindly. They aren't mean (well maybe a little) parse, but they pointedly ignore her for the most part, so when a guy shows her just a small bit of kindness and offers to show her around the Everglades she takes it. If we just left it at this it would not be as interesting as being stuck in the Everglades, which is what happens.
Now, I didn't not like Sarah in the beginning. She was fine but she isn't very nice to the guy, Andy. Granted he is kind of responsible for what happened, but it was a mistake. In the end she grows to appreciate how much he tried to redeem himself. Andrew is nice for the most part but he does his share of mistakes. Their development throughout the book was nice to see and they both have their moments.
What really makes the book stand out to me though is the Everglades itself. You see all these creatures that look so intimating, dangerous and there are some pretty scary things that happen but I think its true that the more you know and understand things the less afraid you are of them. Once Sarah knew more she felt she could do more and was more confident that she could survive. However, no matter what anybody says about snakes I will never be okay with them. They are just wrong.
Sarah is at a new school on scholarship and doesn't feel like she fits in. We start with her on a field trip with all these kids who do not treat her too kindly. They aren't mean (well maybe a little) parse, but they pointedly ignore her for the most part, so when a guy shows her just a small bit of kindness and offers to show her around the Everglades she takes it. If we just left it at this it would not be as interesting as being stuck in the Everglades, which is what happens.
Now, I didn't not like Sarah in the beginning. She was fine but she isn't very nice to the guy, Andy. Granted he is kind of responsible for what happened, but it was a mistake. In the end she grows to appreciate how much he tried to redeem himself. Andrew is nice for the most part but he does his share of mistakes. Their development throughout the book was nice to see and they both have their moments.
What really makes the book stand out to me though is the Everglades itself. You see all these creatures that look so intimating, dangerous and there are some pretty scary things that happen but I think its true that the more you know and understand things the less afraid you are of them. Once Sarah knew more she felt she could do more and was more confident that she could survive. However, no matter what anybody says about snakes I will never be okay with them. They are just wrong.
July 27, 2013
Amazing story about two teens, that find themselves stranded in the Everglades....
...Now, can Sarah, this city girl and Andy, a local boy, survive all alone in the wilderness? With predators and practically with no water or food?
This was an incredible, nerve shattering reading experience. And if i didn't had to sleep, i would have read it non stop...
With a clear and engaging writing, the author makes us watch how these two people who barely know each other, will have to rely on one another to save themselves on a hostile environment.
This may be a story about survival, but the author approaches other issues. Like racial ones and how almost anything in this world goes round and round...
Sarah is an incredible young lady who is aware of that fact. For her, kindness, and doing the right thing are not a matter of the right moment, they just are. That's why she finds herself taking care of a baby duck (Teapot) while she's trying to survive.
A lesson to us all.
...Now, can Sarah, this city girl and Andy, a local boy, survive all alone in the wilderness? With predators and practically with no water or food?
This was an incredible, nerve shattering reading experience. And if i didn't had to sleep, i would have read it non stop...
With a clear and engaging writing, the author makes us watch how these two people who barely know each other, will have to rely on one another to save themselves on a hostile environment.
This may be a story about survival, but the author approaches other issues. Like racial ones and how almost anything in this world goes round and round...
Sarah is an incredible young lady who is aware of that fact. For her, kindness, and doing the right thing are not a matter of the right moment, they just are. That's why she finds herself taking care of a baby duck (Teapot) while she's trying to survive.
A lesson to us all.
June 12, 2024
i read this book in 7th grade & it was one of my favorites so i decided to re read & im so happy i did. so nostalgic for me & literally made me tear up at the end hahahaa. TEAPOTTTT i sob!!!
June 28, 2012
Like, what do I even say about this book? It was just so freaking annoying.
I was literally dying of boredom in the first couple of chapters. It was a total cliche: the scholarship girl is hated by all the rich kids at her fancy school and blah blah blah - I don't care.
Then she goes off on a boat ride with a guy she doesn't know and doesn't tell anyone about it. Stupid move. So then disaster strikes in the form of their boat sinking and now they have to find a way to trek 10 miles of the everglades before they die of starvation, dehydration, or being eaten.
I mean, I understand why Sarah was so scared, honestly I do, but she got to the point of just being downright stupid. She thinks she knows more about survival than the guy who has lived in the everglades his whole life simply because she watched 'Survivor'. Wow. Then she has the audacity to say that everything was Andy's fault. I agree that Andy should have been more responsible, but if irresponsibility was his only fault then Sarah is as much to blame here because she was supposed to be on the field trip with her class instead of going on boat rides with the first cute guy she sees.
Then she's crying about how she can't bear to be separated from the duck. The stupid duck was a total burden. No point to it at all. And then at the end they just give it away. It served one purpose in the entire book and it was to lure predators away - which at the same time was a total con. I was with Andy on this. Just leave the stupid duck. Who cares about it?
Sarah complained about everything! Oh my gosh, her boots are sinking, she wants more food and water, make sure the alligators stay away, that tree looks prettier, don't look at my feet they're ugly, kill every animal that comes within a ten foot radius!
She honestly expected Andy to do everything for her, and I'm glad she realized that she shouldn't have given him all that responsibility, but seriously, I just couldn't take it anymore.
And I don't understand how Andy could've like her. He was throwing annoyed looks at her the entire time, he called her prissy, she wouldn't take his advice - since he knew more - and she was constantly moaning and groaning. I saw no redeeming qualities in her, other than her being eco-friendly. But really, no.
I saw the situation to be very realistic, but the romance aspect of it was unnecessary. They would've been better as acquaintances. Well, they're only 13 and 15 years old, so how much can I expect of them?
I was expecting more from the characters, but oh well. Two stars it is because at least I kind of liked Andy.
Edit: One star because I didn't like the story.
I was literally dying of boredom in the first couple of chapters. It was a total cliche: the scholarship girl is hated by all the rich kids at her fancy school and blah blah blah - I don't care.
Then she goes off on a boat ride with a guy she doesn't know and doesn't tell anyone about it. Stupid move. So then disaster strikes in the form of their boat sinking and now they have to find a way to trek 10 miles of the everglades before they die of starvation, dehydration, or being eaten.
I mean, I understand why Sarah was so scared, honestly I do, but she got to the point of just being downright stupid. She thinks she knows more about survival than the guy who has lived in the everglades his whole life simply because she watched 'Survivor'. Wow. Then she has the audacity to say that everything was Andy's fault. I agree that Andy should have been more responsible, but if irresponsibility was his only fault then Sarah is as much to blame here because she was supposed to be on the field trip with her class instead of going on boat rides with the first cute guy she sees.
Then she's crying about how she can't bear to be separated from the duck. The stupid duck was a total burden. No point to it at all. And then at the end they just give it away. It served one purpose in the entire book and it was to lure predators away - which at the same time was a total con. I was with Andy on this. Just leave the stupid duck. Who cares about it?
Sarah complained about everything! Oh my gosh, her boots are sinking, she wants more food and water, make sure the alligators stay away, that tree looks prettier, don't look at my feet they're ugly, kill every animal that comes within a ten foot radius!
She honestly expected Andy to do everything for her, and I'm glad she realized that she shouldn't have given him all that responsibility, but seriously, I just couldn't take it anymore.
And I don't understand how Andy could've like her. He was throwing annoyed looks at her the entire time, he called her prissy, she wouldn't take his advice - since he knew more - and she was constantly moaning and groaning. I saw no redeeming qualities in her, other than her being eco-friendly. But really, no.
I saw the situation to be very realistic, but the romance aspect of it was unnecessary. They would've been better as acquaintances. Well, they're only 13 and 15 years old, so how much can I expect of them?
I was expecting more from the characters, but oh well. Two stars it is because at least I kind of liked Andy.
Edit: One star because I didn't like the story.
January 1, 2011
I am NOT a fan of survival fiction ("Hatchet" annoyed the crud out of me). I am, however, a big fan of Rorby's fictions. "Hurt Go Happy" is one of my favorite books of all time & I quite enjoyed "Outside of a Horse" and "Dolphin Sky." This is just great.
The spoiler-free synopsis is: Sarah, a city girl, scholarship student at a private high school is on a field trip with her snooty fellow students when she meets Andy, a cute boy who lives in the glades (instead of going to a school named after them) and who happens to have access to his fathers airboat. Sarah says yes to a picnic with Andy (and fakes sick on the field trip). The two stop on an island for their snack...and find themselves stranded ten miles out in the wetlands. What follows is a four day struggle for survival. I was, quite frankly, amazed at the level of detail in their encounters with nature.
Two realistic teen characters presented warts, fears, and threngths and all. I did not want to put this down. It says YA on the back, but Sarah is "almost 14" and Andy is 15, so I would recommend this to kids (especially girls who are sick and tired of damsels in distress whether they are rescued by princes or vampires or plain old boys) ages 10 & up.
(After some of the doodie I read this year, I am just so dang happy to round off my year with areally great read! Give it a try).
The spoiler-free synopsis is: Sarah, a city girl, scholarship student at a private high school is on a field trip with her snooty fellow students when she meets Andy, a cute boy who lives in the glades (instead of going to a school named after them) and who happens to have access to his fathers airboat. Sarah says yes to a picnic with Andy (and fakes sick on the field trip). The two stop on an island for their snack...and find themselves stranded ten miles out in the wetlands. What follows is a four day struggle for survival. I was, quite frankly, amazed at the level of detail in their encounters with nature.
Two realistic teen characters presented warts, fears, and threngths and all. I did not want to put this down. It says YA on the back, but Sarah is "almost 14" and Andy is 15, so I would recommend this to kids (especially girls who are sick and tired of damsels in distress whether they are rescued by princes or vampires or plain old boys) ages 10 & up.
(After some of the doodie I read this year, I am just so dang happy to round off my year with areally great read! Give it a try).
November 29, 2010
Sara is on a field trip to the Everglades with 10 students from her school. She doesn't fit in. She is from a family without financial means, and is at the school on scholarship. She feels separated from the other students, and feels like she is looked down upon.
She decides to skip a tour with her classmates and go on a boat ride with a cute boy she met. He was fixing his dad's airboat, and invited her for a ride. His name is Andy.
She tells the teacher she is sick and goes on a fun date with Andy. They get to a small island, eat some snacks and go back to the boat to find that it has sunk into the murky water. Their location is remote, and neither of them told anyone that they were going into the Everglades.
They realize that help would be a long time coming and begin a dangerous treck across the swamp.
I liked this story of survival. I think that it is appropriate for a young audience. There is mild swearing, but the message is great. Each one of us has it within ourselves to survive against the odds
She decides to skip a tour with her classmates and go on a boat ride with a cute boy she met. He was fixing his dad's airboat, and invited her for a ride. His name is Andy.
She tells the teacher she is sick and goes on a fun date with Andy. They get to a small island, eat some snacks and go back to the boat to find that it has sunk into the murky water. Their location is remote, and neither of them told anyone that they were going into the Everglades.
They realize that help would be a long time coming and begin a dangerous treck across the swamp.
I liked this story of survival. I think that it is appropriate for a young audience. There is mild swearing, but the message is great. Each one of us has it within ourselves to survive against the odds
January 11, 2020
This book was really good! I connected with this book because I've been to Florida several times and been on an airboat. Thankfully I didn't get lost; not to mention I was with a huge group of people.
I felt Sarah's emotions to be very realistic. I'm a lot older than she is and I most likely would've acted just like her: screamy, whiny, tired, hungry, hot, scared. And if I had been her age when this happened to me, I probably would've died immediately. I admired that she had the strength to persevere and had a big character change by the end.
The thing that did bother me, however, is that SARAH JUST WENT OFF WITH ANDY, a STRANGER!!!! She's lucky he didn't turn out to be working with a serial killer (or a serial killer, age don't judge). When I first started reading, I thought Andy might end up being a psycho. I have read real-life news stories about tour guides being murderers, so it's not outside the realm of possibility. I'm glad he wasn't though.
Teapot was probably my favorite character. I will admit that Sarah's "save all animals from the circle of life" and "protect my karma by taking care of these animals" got annoying and frankly, was senseless.
This book definitely made me want to go back to the Everglades.
I felt Sarah's emotions to be very realistic. I'm a lot older than she is and I most likely would've acted just like her: screamy, whiny, tired, hungry, hot, scared. And if I had been her age when this happened to me, I probably would've died immediately. I admired that she had the strength to persevere and had a big character change by the end.
The thing that did bother me, however, is that SARAH JUST WENT OFF WITH ANDY, a STRANGER!!!! She's lucky he didn't turn out to be working with a serial killer (or a serial killer, age don't judge). When I first started reading, I thought Andy might end up being a psycho. I have read real-life news stories about tour guides being murderers, so it's not outside the realm of possibility. I'm glad he wasn't though.
Teapot was probably my favorite character. I will admit that Sarah's "save all animals from the circle of life" and "protect my karma by taking care of these animals" got annoying and frankly, was senseless.
This book definitely made me want to go back to the Everglades.
October 12, 2016
This book has been one of my favorite books that I have read in a long time! It's about these two characters named Sarah and Andy (also a duckling that becomes their new friend along the way named Teapot) who decide to take an airboat out to a isolated island in the Everglades. When the airboat sinks and the kids are stuck on the island, they are given no other choice but to walk/swim back to the main land, which is about 15 miles. They come up against many troubles, since it is the Everglades, and they have to keep themselves alive during the many days the adventure takes. Read the story to find out all the adventures they go through and if they are able to survive or not.
I highly suggest this book to people of all ages, it always kept me wanting to read because of all the adventures and all the action that went on during the story. The author does a very good job on giving descriptions and I was always able to have an image in my mind which really helped so I could see and feel what the main characters were going through. The ending of the book was almost too predictable but weirdly enough it was one of my favorite parts of the whole book. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that at some points there wasn't much action going on so it got a little boring but then there would usually be a suprise in the middle which turned the whole story around and made me want to keep reading. I highly suggest all people to read this book because I usually don't enjoy reading that much but this book I really liked and I loved reading it.
I highly suggest this book to people of all ages, it always kept me wanting to read because of all the adventures and all the action that went on during the story. The author does a very good job on giving descriptions and I was always able to have an image in my mind which really helped so I could see and feel what the main characters were going through. The ending of the book was almost too predictable but weirdly enough it was one of my favorite parts of the whole book. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that at some points there wasn't much action going on so it got a little boring but then there would usually be a suprise in the middle which turned the whole story around and made me want to keep reading. I highly suggest all people to read this book because I usually don't enjoy reading that much but this book I really liked and I loved reading it.
July 9, 2020
A solid, fast-paced, YA survival story. Sarah gets stuck in the Everglades with a boy she just met and they must walk out. Will they make it past the gators, snakes, mosquitoes, and other dangers? Sometimes the book seemed a little too convenient, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
April 1, 2024
Finally hunted this book down after it’s lived in my head rent free since I read it in 2011. It still eats.
July 1, 2012
This and other reviews can be found on Reading Between Classes
Cover Impressions: Not a huge fan of the cover. Don't get me wrong, the alligator on a whole new level of scary, but there is something with the title and the font that makes this feel like a homemade job.
The Gist: Feeling like an outcast on a school trip to the Everglades, Sarah fakes sick in order to explore the swamp with Andy, a local boy. When a simple mistake leaves them stranded, they begin the harrowing trek back to civilization, facing the Everglades in all their danger and splendor.
Review: I was immensely surprised by this novel. In fact, I read it in a day. Were it not for the disruptions of my 9 mth old, I probably would have read it in one sitting without so much as a bathroom break.
Rorby has created characters that are undeniably realistic. They are flawed, impatient and self-absorbed in a way that only teenagers can be. At the beginning of the book, Sarah is painfully lonely and attempts to simply keep her head down and avoid the mockery of her classmates. She is afraid of everything in the swamp and whines incessantly. By the end, however, she has proven her bravery time and time again and come to appreciate the beauty of the swamp (despite the fact that nearly everything in it wanted to eat her!). Andy has lived his whole life in the Everglades. He is very typical of any teenage boy - risking the ire of his parents in order to impress a pretty girl. Despite his willingness to take charge, he falters several times and leaves Sarah certain that she must orchestrate her own rescue.
The characters are well written, but where Rorby really shines is in the plot and the pacing. This is a novel that never left me bored. The moments where Sarah and Andy came into (far too close) contact with the wildlife of the Everglades were always tense and often terrifying. To say that I was absorbed in the story would be an understatement as I found myself holding my breath for many of these encounters and praying that the characters (and Teapot) would come out unscathed.
Lost in the River of Grass should appeal to both male and female teen readers (and adults of course) and would provide an excellent jumping off point for discussion of bias, presumption and how new information can change how a story is viewed.
Teaching/Parental Notes:
Age: 12 and up
Gender: Both
Sex: Kissing
Violence: Animal attacks
Inappropriate Language: Asses
Substance Use/Abuse: Discussion of marijuana use
January 27, 2016
When 13-year-old Sarah and 15-year-old Andy get stuck in the middle of the Everglades, alone, they must work together to find their way through the wilderness and get back home. This is a great survival story, of pushing beyond preconceived limitations and realizing that you're a lot tougher than you think you are.
While this is technically labeled a YA read, I felt like it was more MG. Granted, there are a handful of strong curse words, but based on the ages of the protags and the overall nature of the theme, I would recommend this book to younger readers.
What I really loved about Lost in the River of Grass was the character development. I could totally relate to Sarah's initial terror of the entire place. I mean, gators, pythons, bugs?! I would have had a heart attack trying to traipse through all that. And while Sarah is first frightened by the potential danger, she is able to overcome that fear. She really comes into her own by the end of the story.
I also really liked Andy's character. He acts like a typical younger teen, which I appreciated. Sometimes, I feel like books make kids too mature for their age, like they are little adults. But both Andy and Sarah had a young quality to their personalities that I thought made them more genuine. Sure, they say stupid things and hurt each other's feelings, but that's real. And the fact that Andy came from very humble roots also endeared him to me.
There's a lot of great adventure in this book. In some ways, it reminded me of the "Survivor" TV show, without the naked contestants and cat fights. Each page had more action than the previous, and I was totally glued to them a few times.
Overall, this was a quick, entertaining read - definitely one to pick up for older MG or younger YA readers. You'll be cheering for Sarah and Andy by the end.
While this is technically labeled a YA read, I felt like it was more MG. Granted, there are a handful of strong curse words, but based on the ages of the protags and the overall nature of the theme, I would recommend this book to younger readers.
What I really loved about Lost in the River of Grass was the character development. I could totally relate to Sarah's initial terror of the entire place. I mean, gators, pythons, bugs?! I would have had a heart attack trying to traipse through all that. And while Sarah is first frightened by the potential danger, she is able to overcome that fear. She really comes into her own by the end of the story.
I also really liked Andy's character. He acts like a typical younger teen, which I appreciated. Sometimes, I feel like books make kids too mature for their age, like they are little adults. But both Andy and Sarah had a young quality to their personalities that I thought made them more genuine. Sure, they say stupid things and hurt each other's feelings, but that's real. And the fact that Andy came from very humble roots also endeared him to me.
There's a lot of great adventure in this book. In some ways, it reminded me of the "Survivor" TV show, without the naked contestants and cat fights. Each page had more action than the previous, and I was totally glued to them a few times.
Overall, this was a quick, entertaining read - definitely one to pick up for older MG or younger YA readers. You'll be cheering for Sarah and Andy by the end.
January 9, 2011
Lost in the River of Grass is simply one of those good ole' survival stories. Nothing fancy, nothing paranormal, just two kids trying to make it out of the everglades alive. It reminded me of Hatchet, just in a very different setting.
What I liked most about the book is that it's realistic. Sarah and Andy, the two main characters, act their ages and react as you would expect them to in such a bad situation. Sure Sarah freaks out quite a lot and does her fair share of whining, but wouldn't you if you were a 14 year old stranded in the wild? (I'm 15-which is close enough-and I would) Also, the survival aspect was pretty cool to read and seemed realistic as well. It's safe to say that I now know a lot more about the Everglades, and my fear of fire ants has escalated considerably. Their whole situation is a result of a bad decision that they both made, and instead of getting off easy, they have to live with it.
Decent character development is basically a given, because after that whole ordeal it's hard to come home without having learned at least one lesson. However, I did think that Sarah got off a little easy when she came home. Her parents and teachers were completely forgiving, but I have a feeling that I'd be grounded for a LONG time if I ever pulled something like that. I liked the relationship between Andy and Sarah, because it seemed so...normal. Even in their circumstances they didn't fall in love at first sight or anything annoying like that.
My only complaint about the book is that nothing especially surprising or exciting ever happens. I mean, the alligators and other dangers would probably be pretty thrilling (in a bad way) in real life, but those feelings didn't really transfer to the page while I was reading.
Finally:
Lost in the River of Grass isn't the type of book I'd usually read, but the interesting survival story was refreshing and a good read.
What I liked most about the book is that it's realistic. Sarah and Andy, the two main characters, act their ages and react as you would expect them to in such a bad situation. Sure Sarah freaks out quite a lot and does her fair share of whining, but wouldn't you if you were a 14 year old stranded in the wild? (I'm 15-which is close enough-and I would) Also, the survival aspect was pretty cool to read and seemed realistic as well. It's safe to say that I now know a lot more about the Everglades, and my fear of fire ants has escalated considerably. Their whole situation is a result of a bad decision that they both made, and instead of getting off easy, they have to live with it.
Decent character development is basically a given, because after that whole ordeal it's hard to come home without having learned at least one lesson. However, I did think that Sarah got off a little easy when she came home. Her parents and teachers were completely forgiving, but I have a feeling that I'd be grounded for a LONG time if I ever pulled something like that. I liked the relationship between Andy and Sarah, because it seemed so...normal. Even in their circumstances they didn't fall in love at first sight or anything annoying like that.
My only complaint about the book is that nothing especially surprising or exciting ever happens. I mean, the alligators and other dangers would probably be pretty thrilling (in a bad way) in real life, but those feelings didn't really transfer to the page while I was reading.
Finally:
Lost in the River of Grass isn't the type of book I'd usually read, but the interesting survival story was refreshing and a good read.
July 15, 2011
Every so often, a book hits all the emotions of the reader and makes you sigh as you turn the last page. This was one of those books.
Ginny Rorby creates two kids who are just outside the margins of society - Alex lives an isolated life off the beaten path and Sarah who is scorned and taunted by a small group of popular girls on a weekend field trip (who hasn't been taunted like that?) We immediately identify with the main character, Sarah, and feel her pain and isolation in the midst of a group of mean kids. She isn't looking forward to yet another day of taunting. Of course she sneaks off for a boat ride with the charming Alex. What could go wrong? Unfortunately the boat sinks and they get stuck out in the middle of the Florida everglades and have no choice but to try to navigate their way out - no spoiler here - it happens in the beginning of the book.
Rorby wrote this book in first person present tense - something that always to seems to bring a story more to life, or perhaps it was just her artful prose that did that. She brings to life the danger of the everglades as well as the beauty of it as she writes 90% of the book as a narrative of Sarah and Alex's journey out. You can feel the mosquitoes buzzing, feel the blisters on the feet, feel the hunger and thirst they struggle with. Rorby brought the scene alive through use of all the senses.
This book is a great book for young adults and those who are young at heart ... or someone who just loves an excellent journey through a book well crafted.
Ginny Rorby creates two kids who are just outside the margins of society - Alex lives an isolated life off the beaten path and Sarah who is scorned and taunted by a small group of popular girls on a weekend field trip (who hasn't been taunted like that?) We immediately identify with the main character, Sarah, and feel her pain and isolation in the midst of a group of mean kids. She isn't looking forward to yet another day of taunting. Of course she sneaks off for a boat ride with the charming Alex. What could go wrong? Unfortunately the boat sinks and they get stuck out in the middle of the Florida everglades and have no choice but to try to navigate their way out - no spoiler here - it happens in the beginning of the book.
Rorby wrote this book in first person present tense - something that always to seems to bring a story more to life, or perhaps it was just her artful prose that did that. She brings to life the danger of the everglades as well as the beauty of it as she writes 90% of the book as a narrative of Sarah and Alex's journey out. You can feel the mosquitoes buzzing, feel the blisters on the feet, feel the hunger and thirst they struggle with. Rorby brought the scene alive through use of all the senses.
This book is a great book for young adults and those who are young at heart ... or someone who just loves an excellent journey through a book well crafted.
March 2, 2015
Lost In A River of Grass is a great book for outdoorsy readers like me. This book is about when a girl named Sarah goes to the Everglades on a class field trip. While she is down in the Everglades she meets a boy named Andy. She is an outcast at her school so she doesn’t want to be there so she says she is sick and when the class leaves she goes out with Andy. When she goes out with Andy he takes her out airboating. Andy lets Sarah drive the boat and when she does she accidentally runs over a baby duck. She kills one but the other one is fine, so she decides that she wants to keep the one she didn’t kill. When they stop at an island they go into an old hunting cabin. When they come out of the cabin, they find that there boat has been capsized. Now they are stuck in the middle of the Everglades. I think Ginny Rorby did a great job including suspense and danger in this book. My favorite part is when they have to cross the gator infested canal. All they have to eat and drink is a can of spam and a bottle of Gatorade, but when the Gatorade goes bad all Sarah can say is “I hate fermented Gatorade.” (P.135) So she doesn’t have water to drink unless she drinks the Gatorade. This book is great for survival and adventure people. Do they make it out of the Everglades alive? Can Andy and Sarah work together to make it out of the Everglades? I guess you’ll just have to read it to find out.
February 23, 2012
Reading Level: Grade 6-8
13-year-old Sarah, a new scholarship student at the exclusive Glades Academy, is miserable. In a school where kids judge each other by the amount of money and things their parents have, Sarah the daughter of the lunch lady doesn't stand a chance.
Teachers are no help. Sarah wouldn't even be on this stupid overnight field trip if Mr. Vickers hadn't insisted the trip would help her make friends. Surprise, surprise...the four other girls on the trip spend their time snubbing Sarah and talking behind her back.
After a morning of cruelty, Sarah has had it. She pretends to be sick enough to stay behind...but not need a doctor. Sarah has no intention of spending the afternoon in her musty bunk. Instead she agrees to join on a joy ride through the Everglades 15-year-old Andy, son of a local fisherman, on his air boat. He even lets her drive!
When the boat runs aground deep in the heart of the Everglades, far from any cell phone reception, Sarah and Andy must save themselves...or die.
Other tales of survival include
Downriver by Will Hobbs
Are You Going to Kiss Me Now by Sloane Tanen and
Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy
For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
13-year-old Sarah, a new scholarship student at the exclusive Glades Academy, is miserable. In a school where kids judge each other by the amount of money and things their parents have, Sarah the daughter of the lunch lady doesn't stand a chance.
Teachers are no help. Sarah wouldn't even be on this stupid overnight field trip if Mr. Vickers hadn't insisted the trip would help her make friends. Surprise, surprise...the four other girls on the trip spend their time snubbing Sarah and talking behind her back.
After a morning of cruelty, Sarah has had it. She pretends to be sick enough to stay behind...but not need a doctor. Sarah has no intention of spending the afternoon in her musty bunk. Instead she agrees to join on a joy ride through the Everglades 15-year-old Andy, son of a local fisherman, on his air boat. He even lets her drive!
When the boat runs aground deep in the heart of the Everglades, far from any cell phone reception, Sarah and Andy must save themselves...or die.
Other tales of survival include
Downriver by Will Hobbs
Are You Going to Kiss Me Now by Sloane Tanen and
Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy
For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
July 6, 2012
Good action/adventure survival story with plausible raison d'etre. The female protagonist shows lots of growth throughout the novel. Light romance adds to the tension. A teeny tiny bit draggy in a couple of parts but overall entertaining and thought provoking. I was surprised and a little perplexed to discover something about Sarah, the main character at the end of the book, which I won't give away, but that seemed a bit unnecessary to me as if it was thrown in for a shock factor. I was confused and thought that I had obviously missed something early in the early chapters. The author has some interesting comments about this on her website but I find that I don't necessarily agree with her assumptions about readers. At any rate, it would make for an interesting class discussion. Also, the author very cleverly plants a character from her first book in this book who makes a brief cameo towards the end of the novel.
http://www.ginnyrorby.com/Ginny_Rorby...
http://www.ginnyrorby.com/Ginny_Rorby...
April 1, 2015
This was an awesome adventure through the Everglades in Florida. What starts out as a typical science class field trip for Sarah, the new girl in her school and an "outsider", ends up being a trip she may never forget. Sarah is afraid of lots of swamp critters, like the cottonmouth snakes and alligators that abound in the Everglades. But she really hates being invisible, or worse, being made fun of because she is in her new school on a swimming scholarship. So when a cute boy shows up at the camp and offers to take her on a picnic on his airboat, she jumps at the chance. Well, things go terribly wrong on this picnic. Sarah and Andy are stranded in the Everglades with no boat, no way out, and no one knowing where they are. Lots of great details about the wildlife and environment of the Glades. Andy and Sarah are wonderful characters, with real flaws and strengths. A great read!
August 7, 2011
I picked this book up for the title, but was not disappointed.
I'll try not to give anything away, but here's the basic idea -- Sarah, poor,new and friendless at school, is not thrilled to go on a class trip to the Everglades. But when she and her new friend Andy get stranded deep within the Everglades, she must find the strength to survive, and even to experience the wonder of the Everglades.
I liked Sarah -- as a character, she experiences a lot of growth through the book. She finds courage and self-confidence, and shows strong values, which I respected. Andy also grows, and I enjoyed watching their interactions.
Overall, a great book. And for those who care, very clean.
I'll try not to give anything away, but here's the basic idea -- Sarah, poor,new and friendless at school, is not thrilled to go on a class trip to the Everglades. But when she and her new friend Andy get stranded deep within the Everglades, she must find the strength to survive, and even to experience the wonder of the Everglades.
I liked Sarah -- as a character, she experiences a lot of growth through the book. She finds courage and self-confidence, and shows strong values, which I respected. Andy also grows, and I enjoyed watching their interactions.
Overall, a great book. And for those who care, very clean.
January 13, 2013
This is actually a pretty boring "survival" story. The scenes of danger presented were kind of cartoonish and I thought the characters were very bland. Plus, the relationship they formed was not written out well so in the end I was surprised that they became "best friends" as one of them put it. I'm not sure why I decided to read this, I just saw it at the library so I brought it home. I wouldn't recommend it. I'm not a fan of survival/jungle peril type stories so I think this book was just composed of elements I don't like in stories.
March 14, 2011
Great YA story. Kept me turning pages. The back and forth between Sarah and Andy, the growth of each of them, the lack of self confidence growing into courage, with the support of the other one and the sheer determination of these two teens pulls them thru their journey. A bit of embellishment mixed with fright and sprinkled with the growth of these teens makes for a great read
May 6, 2012
Fast-moving, interesting and full of twists and turns that make you think. A really fun read!
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