Evangeline of the Bayou

by Jan Eldredge, Joseph Kuefler (Illustrator)

Overview

A spooky, funny middle grade adventure with a sassy, memorable heroine and a charming Southern feel, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo, Kate Messner, and Natalie Lloyd.

Twelve-year-old haunt huntress apprentice Evangeline Clement spends her days and nights studying the ways of folk magic, honing her monster-hunting skills while pursuing local bayou banshees and Johnny revenants.

With her animal familiar sure to make itself known any day now, the only thing left to do is prove to the council she has heart. Then she will finally be declared a true haunt huntress, worthy of following in the footsteps of her long line of female ancestors.

But when Evangeline and her grandmother are called to New Orleans to resolve an unusual case, she uncovers a secret that will shake her to the soles of her silver-tipped alligator-skin boots.

Set in the evocative Louisiana bayou and the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Evangeline’s is a tale of loyalty and determination, the powerful bonds of friendship and family, and the courage to trust your gut no matter how terrifying that might be.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062680341
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/01/2018
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 7.75(h) x 1.14(d)
Lexile:	850L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Jan Eldredge was born and raised in Louisiana and is the author of Evangeline of the Bayou. She now lives in Florida with her husband, their children, and a house full of cats. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, going to theme parks, and exploring old cemeteries. She is particularly fascinated with monsters, magic, and all such eldritch things. Learn more about Jan at www.janeldredge.com.

Joseph Kuefler is the author-illustrator of the Digger series, Beyond the Pond, Rulers of the Playground, Pillow Places, and Bigger Than a Bumblebee and the illustrator of Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and children. You can visit him online at josephkuefler.com.

Editorial Reviews

Evangeline is a delightful heroine, right down to the silver tips of her boots.” — Cassie Beasley, New York Times bestselling author of Circus Mirandus

“Readers will revel in the magic and culture of Louisiana” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

From the Publisher

Evangeline is a delightful heroine, right down to the silver tips of her boots.

Cassie Beasley

Readers will revel in the magic and culture of Louisiana

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Readers will revel in the magic and culture of Louisiana

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

2018-03-27
Take bits from the worlds of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Nancy Drew, and set the story in New Orleans, and you've got this compelling tale of Evangeline. Descended from a long line of haunt huntresses—women who aid people plagued by supernatural beings—Evangeline Clement will soon turn 13 and eagerly awaits the appearance of her animal familiar: confirmation of her destiny. Evangeline has lived with Gran, also a haunt huntress, since her mother was killed by a werewolflike rougarou when Evangeline was a tiny baby. Evangeline assists Gran with gathering herbs, mixing potions, and eradicating harmful supernatural creatures. On the current mission, Gran travels to the Midsomers' home to save Mrs. Midsomer from transforming into a rougarou at the next full moon. Evangeline befriends Julian, the Midsomers' son, who helps save his mother but who also exhibits characteristics that suggest he's on the spectrum and that make him a difficult companion. Julian refuses to believe anything about why Gran and Evangeline have come…until he sees with his own eyes. Readers will enjoy learning about the magical creatures Evangeline encounters and will appreciate the challenge of foreseeing what Evangeline can't. The closing glossary of haunts is amusing in its own right. The book adheres to the white default.A worthwhile read about a strong girl who embraces the power of knowledge but also heeds Gran's advice to "trust your gut." (Supernatural mystery. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews

Narrator Tara Sands commits herself enthusiastically to this supernatural adventure, pitching her narration to perfectly match the excitement of chasing a banshee through a Louisiana swamp. Young Evangeline Clement wants nothing more than to become a renowned haunt huntress like her mama and gran. When she and Gran are called to the aid of a woman overtaken by a dark force, Evangeline must rely on her training and heart. Sands imbues every character with verve and Southern accents just this side of outrageous. The villainous Laurent is an especially delicious presence, but Evangeline is the highlight, with Sands making the young huntress’s spunk and vulnerability clearly evident. N.M. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

SEPTEMBER 2018 - AudioFile

Narrator Tara Sands commits herself enthusiastically to this supernatural adventure, pitching her narration to perfectly match the excitement of chasing a banshee through a Louisiana swamp. Young Evangeline Clement wants nothing more than to become a renowned haunt huntress like her mama and gran. When she and Gran are called to the aid of a woman overtaken by a dark force, Evangeline must rely on her training and heart. Sands imbues every character with verve and Southern accents just this side of outrageous. The villainous Laurent is an especially delicious presence, but Evangeline is the highlight, with Sands making the young huntress’s spunk and vulnerability clearly evident. N.M. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

SEPTEMBER 2018 - AudioFile