Journey to the River Sea

I recently finished a book called Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson.  Most of Ibbotson's  books are fantasy. I enjoyed her book the Secret of Platform 13 and delighted in reading Island if the Aunts. In both books you will encounter nymphs, ogres, and mermaids. Journey to the River Sea is quite different. It is more focused on realistic and historical fiction. Maya, a humble and adventurous orphan, is pleasantly surprised when she is taken to the Carter's, supposed "long lost relatives." On the trip to the Manaus, a city in Brazil with a spectacular theater, she envisions a life of comfort and exploration. She is deadly wrong. Will Maya's new native friends help her out? If you are interested in subtle adventure, and are prepared to meet both nasty and fascinating characters, pick up Journey to the River Sea and find out how Maya's new life unfolds.
~ Dr. Seuss