Blog Tour & Giveaway for Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas by Sandra Neil Wallace Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

As an adult, Marjory has an opportunity to return to Florida and work as a reporter for the Miami Herald, her father’s newspaper.  As the only woman reporter, she writes about issues that were important to her.

During World War I, her passion to help remained strong first enlisting in the navy and joining the Red Cross.  When she returned to Florida, developers and speculators had taken control of the Everglades, which did not sit well with Marjory; she knew the area must be preserved but how can she convince others?

After a trip through the Everglades on a houseboat, Marjory was able to witness its true glory.  Flying in a giant balloon, among many birds, high above the Everglades finally convinced park officials that the area was worth saving.  The Everglades became a national park.  In later years, Margory discovered that the Everglades wasn’t a swamp, but a river of grass which changed people’s perception about the land which so many plants and animals called home.

Before she died at the age of 108, Marjory created Friends of the Everglades and due to her advocacy,  she not only stopped a jetport from being built in the middle of the land but convinced the government to restore the Everglades which was the largest restoration project in history.

After reading this picture book biography, I was astounded that I had never heard of Marjory Stoneman Douglas before.  Marjory Saves the Everglades is an inspirational story reminding us all that we have the power to make a difference. Her curiosity and willingness to ask questions and seek information was vital to her success.  Persistence was also important because one of Marjory’s quotes was  “Be a nuisance. Never give up.”  As I read this biography, I especially enjoyed the actual quotes from Marjory that were shared every few pages.  These quotes conveyed her determination and passion for her cause.

What I loved most about reading is even after the Everglades became a national park, Marjory still continued to fight for its protection at 80 years ago battling sight and hearing issues. The  back matter includes an author’s note, a visual glossary of animals and plants living in the Everglades, tips for protecting the environment, additional resources about Marjory, a timeline of her life and additional sources.