Orphaned Maia is taken from her exclusive school in London and sent to meet her long lost relatives in Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon. She is accompanied by Minty, her fierce-looking governess. Unfortunately, her relatives are vile and rarely venture into the wild Amazon that Maia so longs to explore. When Maia meets a mysterious boy who lives alone on the shores of the Amazon, she begins a thrilling journey to the heart of a wonderful new world. This book is beautifully written, with rich description and wonderful character development. Full of ambitious vocabulary and figurative devices, I recommend this book for children aged 9 and above. Especially suitable for those who are preparing for the 11+