There is a distinctive style to “I Escaped Amazon River Pirates.” I wouldn’t call it a throwback, a better phrase might be “lovingly inspired.” Either way, that wonderful educational, spirit of adventure that dominated media from the 80’s through the 90’s touches this story.
Peters and Crow’s (sounds like a kid’s television show) novel succeeds, even despite the fact there is really nothing new here. And that, to be honest, is the hardest criticism I can really throw. We follow two siblings – well, step-siblings, as they will be want to remind you throughout (in of itself, a trope) – Nick and Maddie. These two have been whisked away to the Amazon by their parents, in what reeks of a midlife crisis. Naturally, everything doesn’t go as planned, as the ferry they are on is boarded by pirates. After Johnny Depp…Wait, wrong type of pirates. After a grungy group of not-as-commercially-friendly-real life bandits cause a split in the intrepid group, right down the age lines (trope two), our young protagonists must fend for themselves. What follows is a thrilling, non-stop ride with some surprisingly good prose, and a knack for inserting educational moments without force.
I had a lot of fun reading this. I had even more fun pretending it was a 90’s cartoon show. Peters and Crow’s book is short, easily digestible, and full of wonderful moments. I am sure kids of all ages will find something to love about it, and thanks to their skilled hand, they might learn a bit as well.
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