Young Readers

Alligator Crossing

By
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
“A great book for kids and adults alike.” —SAINT PETERSBURG TIMES
Select Format

Thirteen-year-old Henry Bunks escapes neighborhood bullies and a grim, overcrowded apartment building by spending hours exploring the canal near his Miami home. A split-second decision to stow away aboard the boat of an outlaw alligator hunter begins Henry’s journey away from the city and into the Everglades, a trip that will open up the wonders of the vast wilderness, the boundaries of his own spirit, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Making his way among the egrets, alligators, saw grasses, and towering mangroves of the Everglades, Henry finds friends (including a nature photographer and a park ranger) who share his passion for the river of grass. But when his travels turn dangerous, Henry begins to realize just how far from home he is. He must summon courage and determination to save the watery wilderness he loves.

First published in 1959, Alligator Crossing is a charming tale from the “savior of the Everglades,” Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

ISBN
9781571316448
Publish Date
Pages
214
Dimensions
5.25 × 8 × 0.625 in
Weight
8.9 oz
Cover Art

Praise and Prizes

  • “A great book for kids and adults alike … Books by Florida icon Marjory Stoneman Douglas will never go out of style.”

    Saint Petersburg Times

  • “A very strongly recommended addition to any school library collection.”

    Children’s Bookwatch

  • “To entice your children to read this summer, give them Alligator Crossing… . Marjory Stoneman Douglas set this novel in her beloved ‘river of grass’ and made the main character a 13-year-old named Henry Bunks. First published in 1959, the book chronicles Henry’s adventures with a pet alligator, panthers, deer, little green herons, grackles, crabs and mangrove snappers.”

    Tampa Tribune and Times

  • “Throughout this interesting story, we not only learn about the wilderness, but also observe a young boy as he matures and interacts with others and realizes his responsibility for living creatures. Henry’s encounters with the indigenous animals help him to realize he can determine his own future.”

    Childhood Education

You Might Enjoy

Based on this book, we recommend you try…
Young Readers

Perfect

Natasha Friend

Isabelle Lee is a typical, wisecracking, middle-of-the-pack girl who just happens to be dealing with some big issues. Her father has died and no one—especially her mother—wants to talk about it. Meanwhile, Isabelle’s sister has messed everything up…

The Summer of Pike
Young Readers

The Summer of the Pike

Jutta Richter

Anna, Daniel, and Lucas seem to be living a dream. While their parents take care of a castle, they have the run of the grounds, along with the beautiful countryside that surrounds it. But as their summer begins, Daniel and Lucas’s mother is taken ill…

The Cat
Young Readers

The Cat

Jutta Richter

Every day Christine’s walk to school takes her past a talking alley cat. And every day the cat’s insights invariably give her something to ponder. Life is all about being clever, says the cat. And always looking out for yourself, first and foremost…

Sillhouette of a Sparrow
Young Readers

Silhouette of a Sparrow

Molly Beth Griffin

Growing up in the 1920s, Garnet Richardson watches the birds outside her window, admiring their freedom and beauty. When Garnet is sent away to a lakeside resort town for the summer, she discovers a chance to finally spread her wings, and her…