Himalayan Hostages
This is a great read for pre-teens (or anyone young at heart) interested in Nepal, wildlife, or simply adventure! From run-ins with poachers and bears in the jungles of Bardiya, to struggling to survive in a mountain cave, to canoeing down the Karnali River, James and Alex (the protagonists) seem to find adventures wherever they go.
As an American journalist who grew up in Nepal myself, I loved the details in this book about wildlife, Nepali cultures, and politics / social problems. The book deals with a terrible time in Nepal's history - the Maoist civil war, when many ordinary people were stuck in the crossfire between rebels and the state security forces - without simplifying complex issues too much. The book's protagonists view the world from a unique vantage point as "Third Culture Kids." Wilson-Howarth, the author, shows her fondness for Nepal and Nepali people, and also demonstrates her lively imagination and story-telling ability!
Peter Gill
Chasing the Tiger
In this second of the Alex and James adventures the story begins with the boys and their parents imprisoned by Maoists in Nepal, in filthy conditions. As they are being moved to a remote hideout, the boys escape and, with their friend Bim, they try to follow their parents, hoping to free them. This is a journey fraught with danger not only from the angry Maoists but also from wild animals and hostile conditions. Wonderfully accurate black and while illustrations by Betty Levene bring the story (and the animals) to life for the reader.
Snowfed Waters
The characters are delightful, especially the way the Nepalese see things so, so differently . . .
Sally Radnor, Cambridge Writers
Himalayan Hideout
In "Himalayan Hideout," Jane Wilson-Howarth masterfully transports readers to the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. Her descriptions of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests evoke a sense of wonder and reverence, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the earth and the importance of preserving its fragile ecosystems. Overall, "Himalayan Hideout" is a captivating read, while Jane’s lyrical prose, coupled with scholarly insights make this book a true gem