Journey of the Hidden - D L Crager - Bog

...HE INHALED DEEPLY AND YELLED OUT ONE LAST TIME, "I AM TOCA, BLACK GHOST OF THE NASHUA. DO NOT FOLLOW, OR YOU WILL DIE!"
Deep in the Amazon, young Toca is sent away by Chief Acuta to go on his treacherous manhood journey. He must return before a full sun season with three vital possessions, or his tribe will cease to exist.
Toca shortly encounters lost outsiders in the rainforest, finding himself having the responsibility of caring for a girl his age named Shana.
With limited time, the old children struggle to survive the perils in the forest. Nearing the end of their journey, they are confronted with an unexpected danger that could destroy everything, including their maturing relationship.