A Voice for the Everglades: Marjory Stoneman Douglas

by Vicki Conrad, Ibon Adarne (Illustrator), Rachel Yew (Illustrator)

Marjory spoke up for the Everglades―and saved an entire ecosystem.

The Florida Everglades are made up of nine different ecosystems supporting an astonishing variety of wildlife―panthers, manatees, snails, frogs, and a rainbow of bird species. But for years, the Everglades were threatened. They needed a voice to speak up for them. Marjory Stoneman Douglas became that voice. Her book "A River of Grass" helped the world see the irreplaceable beauty and value of the Everglades. Marjory's activism led to the creation of a national park and dedicated conservation efforts, and throughout her long life she inspired countless people to use their voices to make a difference.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Nature, History, Environment

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2021

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS This is a lovely book for young readers. It is as much about the everglades as it is about Marjory Stoneman Douglas. I love that this book shows men and women working together for a common goal and common good. Ernest Coe, Marjory's friend, worked with her to propose bills to Congress and try to get the national park established. I also love that many of Marjory's efforts took place when she was in her 80s and beyond (and going blind and deaf, no less!) It's never too late to make a difference! The emphasis on the flora and fauna of the Everglades will appeal to young readers. I loved this story of how a national park was created, not for people's pleasure (there were no beautiful mountains or astonishing geysers or breathtaking waterfalls) but to protect a precious and unique ecosystem.

If I have a criticism it's that there isn't anything in the story proper about Marjory's early life or what led to her interest in Florida and the everglades. To get that, read the other recently published picture book on this same subject, Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas (which is aimed at slightly older readers, IMO).

The back matter is excellent and explains more about the flora and fauna of the Everglades, further biographical info on Marjory, How You Can Help the Everglades! and Selected Sources.

[Claire Wrobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and formatting. The writing is also very simple and easy for even littles to follow.

[Mal the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really cute and I will help anybody that is trying to save any type of land.

[Candance Doerr-Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picturebook tells the story of the Florida Everglades, an expansive river, made up of nine different ecosystems. While some wanted to drain the Everglades to build an airport, Marjory Stoneman Douglas advocated for the creation of a national park and other dedicated conservation efforts to protect the habitats of countless birds, animals, and insects.

Used:MPL

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is about Douglas in many ways, the focus really is the Everglades. I think this is weaker as a picture book biography than some of the others about Douglas (Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Marjory's River of Grass: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Fierce Protector of the Everglades), but it provides a stronger sense of the landscape and ecosystem, and that's the focus of more of the backmatter.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This starts with the Everglades and then introduces Marjory Stoneman Douglas and her love and advocacy for the Everglades.

Repeated use of "This is ___" tells the story of the Everglades and Marjory Stoneman Douglas in small chunks, without much flow.

See also Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, which I thought was more inspiring.

[L.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The read is a little choppy, but obviously the information is great and for a good cause. The resources in the background are also helpful. A map showing how big the Everglades used to be, how big it is now, and how small a portion is Everglades National Park would have helped to quantify things for young readers.

[Allison Turkish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspiring words about Marjory Stoneman Douglas and her decades-long fight to save the Everglades. What an amazing woman.

This book also has stunning illustrations, so colorful and inviting.

I think this should be a must-read for every child, hoping that it inspires them to visit Florida. I also hope the book inspires them to love nature.

[Norkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read about Marjory and her efforts along with others to preserve the Everglades. We appreciated learning about the diversity of the environment, the animals and the long life Marjory lived!

[Miranda Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing about Marjory Stoneman Douglas prior to reading this. This book was a great bio on her life and work, as well as an introduction to the ecology of the Everglades. The illustrations are bright and beautifully drawn.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! I'm enchanted with the Everglades (and slightly terrified of all the things that could eat me), but this book shares the wonder and diversity of this special area. I enjoyed learning about Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

[Lauren Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested several books on the Everglades from the library for a research project. This book was one of them. It turned out, much to my surprise, to be a children's book. That said, it was quite wonderful - the message, the language, the poetry format. Highly recommended.

[Carrie Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about the preservation of the Everglades. Beautiful illustrations.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informational, lyrical, and memorable.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely biography of the savior of the Everglades, with excellent back matter so the reader can dig deeper into this unique ecosystem.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical, beautiful, important. I love that Conrad includes Douglas’s words that the Everglades are not saved. A wonderful call to action!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read. Colorful illustrations and fascinating information about both the everglades and the life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Plus several pages of additional information in the back.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marjory studies the Everglades ecosystem, helps write legislation to make it into a National Park, and fights against development throughout her life.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Just outstanding.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We learned so many interesting facts about both the Everglades and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. We loved the vivid illustrations, saturated with color.

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spy a future lesson plan 👀

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My small daughter and I love the pictures, and now we want to visit the Everglades, responsibly of course!