Marjory Stoneman Douglas: Guardian of the Glades

Marjory Stoneman Douglas: Guardian of the Glades by Kieran Doherty Twenty-First Century Books, 131 pp., $24.90 Biography/ Everglades/Ecology ISBN 0-7613-2371-6

Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who died in 1998 at 107 years old, made it her life's work to save the Florida Everglades from developers' bulldozers. This book tells her story, from her childhood through to her death. Accompanied by pictures, the book examines the impact of this remarkable woman on the ecology of Florida, and ultimately, the its governmental policies and daily lifestyle.

This book is very attractive to look at, with a two toned green and black cover that will enhance any home library or coffee table. The first page of each chapter and the photos are each etched with leaves and ferns. However, the text contains few direct quotations or thoughts from Douglas herself. Both the vocabulary and ideas are very mature, and may confuse younger and less-knowledgeable readers. Strong readers who like biography or who are interested in ecology, especially that of Florida, will likely enjoy this book for its praise of Marjory Stoneman Douglas' work and her enduring legacy.

Audrey Berner

Montreal, Quebec

Canada

Copyright Assembly on Literature for Adolescents -- National Council of Teachers of English Fall 2002
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