Picture a dynamic duo weaving ancient Maya magic into modern adventures—meet J&P Voelkel! Jon and Pamela Voelkel, a husband-and-wife team, have enchanted young readers with their Jaguar Stones series, a thrilling blend of Maya mythology and heart-pounding quests. From exploring over 40 Maya sites to crafting tales that leap off the page, the Voelkels bring history to life with a playful, adventurous spirit that captivates middle-grade audiences.
Their stories, set in the lush rainforests of Central America, follow a city boy and a jungle girl—a nod to Jon’s wild Latin American childhood and Pamela’s quieter English roots. With a knack for blending fact and fiction, J&P Voelkel have carved a unique niche in children’s literature, making ancient cultures accessible and exciting.
The Making of J&P Voelkel
Jon Voelkel grew up amidst the vibrant jungles of Peru, Costa Rica, and Colombia, where monkey stew and plane crashes shaped his adventurous spirit. Pamela Voelkel, meanwhile, hailed from a serene seaside town in northern England, dreaming of far-off places. Their paths crossed in a London advertising agency, where their shared love for storytelling sparked a creative partnership. After founding an award-winning agency, they traded ads for authorship, moving to rural Vermont with their three children to focus on writing.
The Voelkels’ deep dive into Maya culture began with their Jaguar Stones series, fueled by Jon’s childhood memories and their family’s explorations of ancient sites in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. From canoeing underground rivers to tracking howler monkeys, their hands-on research infuses their books with authenticity and vivid detail.
J&P Voelkel’s Unforgettable Stories
The Jaguar Stones series, aimed at readers aged 10–14, is the Voelkels’ flagship work, blending fast-paced adventure with rich Maya mythology. The series kicks off with Middleworld, where 14-year-old Max Murphy, a video-game-loving Boston teen, plunges into the Central American rainforest to rescue his archaeologist parents from the Maya Underworld. Joined by Lola, a spirited modern Maya girl, Max battles the villainous Lords of Death amidst haunted temples and zombie armies.
The saga continues in The End of the World Club, racing against the Mayan calendar’s 2012 end to outwit hellhounds and a cape-twirling count in Spain. The River of No Return ups the ante with mutant cave spiders and family secrets, while The Lost City wraps up the quartet with a thrilling journey from Central America to New Orleans. The Voelkels’ style—action-packed, humorous, and steeped in cultural detail—draws comparisons to Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, with vivid settings and cheeky dialogue that keep readers hooked.
Pamela handles most of the writing, while Jon’s illustrations, including maps and glyphs, add visual flair. Their meticulous research shines through in appendices explaining Maya calendars and recipes, making the books both educational and entertaining. The series’ blend of myth, history, and modern adventure has earned praise for engaging reluctant readers and sparking interest in Mesoamerican culture.
Why J&P Voelkel Matters
J&P Voelkel have made Maya mythology accessible to young readers, filling a gap in middle-grade fiction where Mesoamerican cultures are often overlooked. Their books not only entertain but also educate, weaving historical facts into gripping narratives that inspire curiosity about the Maya’s past and present. Teachers love the series for its Common Core-aligned potential, with resources like discussion guides enhancing classroom learning.
The Voelkels’ high-energy school visits and multimedia presentations bring the Maya world to life, inspiring kids to explore history and storytelling. By highlighting modern Maya characters like Lola, they challenge stereotypes and celebrate cultural continuity, leaving a lasting impact on young readers and educators alike.
- Key Works: Middleworld, The End of the World Club, The River of No Return, The Lost City
- Current Home: Rural Vermont
- Notable Recognition: Middleworld was an Al Roker Book Club pick on NBC’s Today Show
Ready to embark on a Maya adventure? Snag Middleworld and dive into J&P Voelkel’s thrilling, myth-soaked world!