A Voice for the Everglades

August 1, 2021

Gr 1-4-Readers of this book will find out how the Everglades became a National Park and learn about Marjory Stoneman Douglas, a woman who worked hard to help people understand what a special place the Everglades really is. This striking picture book tells about her life and how she first came to the Everglades and gives detailed information about the plants and animals that are native to the area. The author explains how some people recognized the Everglades as a potential source of money and nearly destroyed some of the species within, as well as how hard Douglas had to work to get people to recognize its beauty, fragility, and uniqueness. The artwork is vividly colored and helps readers to better visualize some of the species that are found only in the Everglades. Author's notes give more information about the plants and animals of this special place. This is an enjoyable biography and offers a picture of what persistence and tenacity to a cause can bring. Students will enjoy the illustrations of all the animals in addition to the facts about Douglas. VERDICT A solid choice for elementary libraries looking for interesting environmental biographies.-Debbie Tanner, S.D. Spady Montessori Elem., FL

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2021
Grades K-3 The She Made History series (6 new titles) celebrates the lives of women around the world and the notable contributions they have made. A Voice for the Everglades profiles Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, an environmental activist whose lyrically descriptive book, The Everglades: River of Grass, roused public interest and resulted in the creation of the Everglades National Park. Her biography is presented in a present-tense, free-verse style reminiscent of Douglas' own writing. Each title is engaging and features appealing illustrations, while providing ample context and additional resources (glossaries, bibliographies, time lines, etc.). Each book takes a positive, upbeat tone and encourages readers to learn more about these people. Furthermore, the publisher has taken care to match the books' racially and ethnically diverse subjects to female authors and illustrators from similar cultures. This attractive series shines spotlights on inspiring, deserving role models.

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September 15, 2021
Learn about the Everglades and a passionate life. A vivid double-page panorama rooted in friendly greens and blues introduces the birth of the Everglades from a stream in Florida. This saw grass-filled place is presented as one of the most biodiverse places in the world, with nine active ecosystems. Some text loosely follows a "House That Jack Built" structure to show relationships among ecosystem elements. Animal inhabitants fly and swim gently across the pages in bright colors and animation-level detail that catches the eye, with minimal shadow or textures. As the human threat to the area is swiftly introduced, so are Marjory and Ernest, two White friends who share an awe for the cypress, birds, panthers, and other dynamic flora and fauna. Together, they lobby for a bill to create Everglades National Park. As they show lawmakers the area from an airship, hope rises but is quickly crushed. In the end, establishing the park is made possible only by heightened public awareness via Marjory's 1947 book. The frank presentation of the lengthy struggle to protect the ecosystems in the Everglades shares meaningful ideas about persistence and potential payoff for pursuing passions. Little is shared about Douglas in the main text aside from her tireless efforts on behalf of the Everglades and her mission-driven friendship with Ernest. A biographical note helps to flesh her life out a bit more. A book for the Everglades and its human allies. (further information, advocacy suggestions, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 4-9)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2021
An early-twentieth-century eco-advocate and an abundant natural wonderland come to life in this picture-book biography. Patterned, poetic language tells two intertwining stories: the first of Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890-1998), a journalist who used poetry, literature, and on-the-ground activism to prevent development of the Florida Everglades; the second of the Everglades themselves, a "trickle of water" that, over generations, became the sprawling home to nine different habitats. Striking jewel-toned illustrations capture the grandeur of the Everglades' ecological landscape, as well as show off the myriad critters that live there. A tribute to the remarkable persistence of an unconventional centenarian and the wetlands she advocated for and adored. Four concluding pages provide information about some of the Everglades' flora and fauna, more about Douglas, ideas for readers to help, and sources.

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)