In this adventure, a shipping company intends to build a canal through the swamp and a lumber company is cutting down trees, changing the natural environment forever. The example can be used for any situation of injustice or David and Goliath situations, in which every voice matters no matter how small.

By following the eager girl's days with a new dog, a boat, huckleberries to pick, eggs to collect, and hog bandits to catch, not to mention the ever-present threat of 'gators, we learn about life in the area for people and animals who depend on the swamp. With no television, computers or electronic games, Elsie Mae yet manages to occupy herself and have tremendous fun. We also meet a fine collection of characters, including young Henry James, her cousin who aspires to be a traveling preacher like his daddy. Her dog Huck is another strong character who causes trouble and shares the escapades.

The homey food, such as fried catfish, fresh-picked greens, and cornbread, followed by tasty huckleberry pie, helps to set the scene. After that though, we go from doggedness to excitement, triumph to despair, from pride to a fall. Young readers can learn a great deal by reading Nancy Cavanaugh's enjoyable adventure, and I don't just mean the historical notes at the end. A middle grade book, ELSIE MAE HAS SOMETHING TO SAY will appeal to readers from eight upwards, especially girls, and I'm sure it will be greatly enjoyed by parents and teachers as well.