Alligator Bayou
Napoli, Donna Jo. Alligator Bayou.
New York: Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, 2009.
280 pp. $16.99 (hardcover)
Tallulah, Louisiana, 1899. The story is narrated by Calogero, a thirteen-year-old Sicilian boy who was shipped to America after his mother died. Calogero is taken in by Francesco and his brothers who are also Sicilian. The brothers own a vegetable stand and are known for selling quality produce. Calogero and his young counterpart, Cirone, learn to speak English and try hard to get along with all of Tallulah’s residents. Calogero is especially fond of Patricia, a smart and sassy African American girl. It is through Patricia that Calogero meets Charles, Ben, and Rock, who teach him and Cirone the thrill of midnight gator hunting. The Sicilians mostly keep to themselves because they are considered outcasts by the white community while the black community is skeptical. Tensions begin to rise as the brothers strive to be fair to both communities. The white community sees this as a threat, and they begin to terrorize the brothers, which leads to unfortunate events.
The book is based on actual events, and Napoli does a wonderful job of weaving together several storylines. We all know the struggle of African Americans, but not all are aware that many immigrants faced the same racism. Her attention to detail of the history shines through as she references the 1890 census in which some blacks learned for the first time that they were actually free from slavery. She also gives reference to the Tunica tribe of Mississippi and Louisiana.
Recommended for libraries with a young adult collection, as well as an extensive adult collection.
Crystal Giles
Technical Services Librarian
Northwest MS Community College
Entry Filed under: Book Reviews
Posted on: August 10th, 2010
