Tynia Thomassie

I really liked this book because it teaches so much. It shows the culture of Cajuns. It shows the way Cajuns talk. It even adds in a translation section. I especially like how it shows that parents or even grandparents have a reason for saying no sometimes because it could be to protect you from danger. Although this was the case and she disobeyed the rules, they congratulated her in the end for saving the grandfather and helping to catch the alligator. It is a very familiar sounding story but told in a Cajun way.… (more)

Cajun Through and Through was a great representation of the Cajun lifestyle in Louisiana. I really enjoyed this book. The author started the book off with two boys, Baptiste and Ti-Boy. They were playing outside in the trees and then their mother told them that their cousin from the big city was coming to visit. The boys were upset because he wasn't like them. He didn't do normal Cajun things like swim in the swamp and fish. The boys went out to try fishing and Ti-Boy got a brand new rod to use. He was catching a lot of fish with it so he let his cousin try to catch a fish with the rod. He cast the net out and a fish got hooked onto the line. The rod came out of Remington, the boys' cousins hand and into the water. Remington dove into the water to look for the rod and he finally found it along with the fish. The boys were very happy and they realized even though their cousin didn't live the Cajun life they lived, he still had the background embedded into his blood and used it when he needed to.… (more)

Feliciana's on a bad behavior streak in this book. She's warned time and time again that if she doesn't behave, the Loup Garou will snatch her away. She thinks nothing of it until bedtime, when howls and growls are heard outside of her window. Feliciana follows the noise, thinking it's her brother, but it turns out to be none other than the Loup Garou himself. Turns out, he isn't as bad as everyone thinks.

Feliciana's very brave, marching into the swamp to go beat up her brother. She's also very kind since she gives the Loup Garou a chance instead of running away. The book has a glossary and pronunciations for younger readers. Written with passion, the story keeps the anticipation going the entire time. The art really captures how creepy and beautiful the swamp can look at night. It's not scary, which is good for younger readers, and it goes to show that it's what's on the inside that counts.… (more)