Bayou Magic

Maddy goes to spend the summer at her grandmother's, who lives in the bayou, and in doing so she finds out who she really is, what makes her special, and where she belongs. There's friendship, magic, community, and an oil spill. The oil spill's damage is lessened through magic, if only these things could be handled that way in real life. Still, this story makes clear on a middle grade level all that is at stake when a part of the environment is lost, the lives, jobs, and communities effected.

I've found out in recent weeks about Mami Wata, and she appears in this story. Turns out, not all mermaids look like Ariel, and they never did.

I think one of the most important messages we can impart on children is to not worry about the people who find them odd, but to know there is a place for them in the world, they just need to find it.

This book had a slow build. It made it feel like a real life event. Some days are just slow days of cooking and family days. Other days are adventures and then something drastic happens and the heroes come forward. Mandy is a hero and Bayou Bob Temps is magic. This is a very good book. Very good.