Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fast, fun tale of young genius chasing Darwin's dark secret.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In CHARLIE THORNE AND THE LOST CITY, 12-year-old Charlie is living by herself in the Galapagos Islands, trying to stay under the radar after her last CIA-related work made her an international target. But when a mysterious sea plane arrives and the pilot helps her escape an unwanted visitor, she knows her cover is blown. She also knows there's more to the story, and her digging takes her deep into the Amazon basin and a dark mystery that dates back to Charles Darwin. When her half-brother in the CIA shows up, the stakes get even higher, and soon everyone just hopes to make it out alive.
Is It Any Good?
This complex, fast-paced adventure increases its intensity by combining tons of detail about the Amazon's history and biodiversity with the decisions of a stubborn, fearless preteen genius. Charlie Thorne and the Lost City is a riveting mystery wrapped in the dangerous antics of 12-year old Charlie, whose cheerful defiance is a delight to read. The details about the Amazon basin are seamlessly woven throughout the story and never seem unnecessary, and the fictional interpretation of Darwin's travels can set readers' imaginations in motion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the careful but quick ways Charlie decides to take risks in Charlie Thorne and the Lost City. How do you decide when to take a risk? What do you think about beforehand?
Why do you think Charlie reacted to her South American discovery the way she did? What would you do?
What other adventure books have you enjoyed?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History , STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : March 2, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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