Bayou Suzette
by Lois Lenski
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About This Book
A Cajun girl tries to keep her family together on the Louisiana bayou It’s been almost 2 years since Suzette’s father caught 2 bullets in his back. Since then, he’s been bed-ridden, too sick to hunt or fish or do any of the things a bayou man must do to keep his family fed. While he heals, Suzette scours the swamps around her house for fish, gators, or anything she can sell to put food on the table. It’s hard, but Suzette is a proud Cajun, and work doesn’t scare her. When an Indian girl appears
Our Review
This poignant historical novel immerses young readers in the challenging world of a Cajun family surviving along the Louisiana bayou. Through Suzette's eyes, children experience the daily realities of hunting, fishing, and gathering food while her father recovers from serious injuries. The story authentically portrays bayou life with rich sensory details about the swamp environment and the practical skills needed for survival. Lenski's careful research shines through in this culturally specific narrative that introduces children to Cajun traditions and resilience.
What makes this regional story particularly compelling is the unexpected friendship that develops between Suzette and a Native American girl who appears in the swamp. This cross-cultural relationship adds depth to the survival narrative while demonstrating how communities support each other during difficult times. Young readers who enjoy character-driven stories about resourceful children facing real-world challenges will find Suzette's determination inspiring. The novel provides a meaningful window into a distinctive American subculture while celebrating universal themes of family loyalty and intergenerational wisdom.
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