Bayou Boy

by George Harmon Smith

Jean LeBlanc had lived in the Louisiana swamp country all his 14 years. He loved the swamp, just as his father did. Jean had never gone to school, and neither had his father, but Papa taught him what a man needed to know in order to live in the swamp. Jean could shoot alligators, trap muskrats, and catch fish almost as well as any grown man in the bayou.

But things were changing. Big Caterpillar tractors were shoving up the black earth and filling the swampland with noise and blue diesel smoke. The state of Louisiana was building a road through the swamp, and the animals were moving farther into the wilds. A man couldn't make a living by hunting and trapping. Papa had to go to work on the offshore oilrigs out in the Gulf of Mexico, and Jean had to look after his mother and sister while Papa was gone.

Taking his father's place proved to be more difficult and dangerous than Jean had imagined. But it was a maturing experience, and it helped Jean to accept the fact that nothing stays the same. Both he and Papa had come to realize that the old way of life was gone, and that for Jean, the new life must include school.

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

George Harmon Smith, born in the Louisiana swamp country, is the author of several award-winning, best-selling Young Adult novels. He came to literary recognition with Bayou Boy, which was made into a Walt Disney movie, with fourteen editions published, and the winner of 37 literary awards. Readers have urged Smith to write more Young Adult novels. By popular demand he has recently had published Where the Pale Lilies Bloom, and now this third new one, Dark Delta Deep, Blue Goodbye.

Reviews

[Stevenshane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bayou Boy is an incredible read, especially for those who live in Southeast Texas or Louisiana. George Harmon Smith gives a real glimpse into the challenges and joys of swamp life. Bayou Boy is a must read for all adventurers!

[Benny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable reading. Good story with lots of action. Well written.