Swamplandia!

Set in the Florida Everglades, this story follows 13-year-old Ava as she navigates the challenges of running Swamplandia!, a gator park facing numerous crises after the death of its star performer. With her family members caught up in their own struggles and mysteries, Ava encounters a enigmatic figure known as Bird Man who offers her a glimpse into a dangerous and unknown part of the swamp called the Underworld. The novel has received critical recognition, being longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize and shortlisted for the 2012 Pulitzer and 2013 IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.