Welcome to Part III of Journeys through Georgia, a series on children’s fiction set in Georgia. Part I (found here) shone the spotlight on the Civil War and post-Civil War era, while Part II (found here) turned the spotlight toward the Great Depression.

This month’s spotlight moves into geography, nature, and adventure with two books set in Georgia’s portion of the Okefenokee Swamp. The Okefenokee, the largest blackwater swamp in the US, lies in the southeastern corner of Georgia and the northeastern corner of Florida. Wikipedia has a quick overview of the swamp here.

The Mystery of the Great Swamp, by Marjorie A. Zapf, c.1967
Where: Okefenokee Swamp
When: Uncertain, but probably before it became a wildlife refuge (~1937)

In The Mystery of the Great Swamp, Jeb, an 11- or 12-year-old boy who has grown up in the Okefenokee Swamp, sets off with his dog to explore a remote, secluded island. While there, he is startled by a strange sound and a glimpse of what might have been a canoe that disappears mysteriously. When his father returns from an archaeological expedition with fascinating native American artifacts from another part of the swamp, Jeb begins to wonder what happened to the ancient swamp dwellers. His mishaps and explorations eventually lead him to a very surprising discovery. Those who enjoy the original Hardy Boys series and wilderness adventures will find plenty to enjoy in this book, and its dip into the deep waters of Native American history, while largely imaginative, could spark fruitful discussion as part of a unit on the native peoples of Georgia. Look here for an interesting article on the people that have lived in and around the Okefenokee.

Tree Castle Island, by Jean Craighead George, c. 2002
Where: Okefenokee Swamp
When: Early 2000s

This more recent story also starts off with a boy (14-year-old Jack) setting out to explore the swamp. In this case, his explorations lead him not only to grow in his survival skills and knowledge of the Okefenokee, but also to discover a mystery about himself and his family. The descriptions of nature in Tree Castle Island are beautiful, detailed, and compelling, making it a wonderful introduction to the flora and fauna of the swamp. The illustrations by the author are lovely and enchanting, adding to its charm. The plot is intriguing, though its abrupt ending feels unfinished. Nevertheless, it is an engaging read and will be of interest to any children (10 and up) or adults who are interested in nature, conservation, wilderness survival, or southern Georgia. For more information about the swamp and its wildlife, explore the website of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. For budding explorers, Travel+Leisure offers an excellent travel guide here.

If you have other Georgia adventures to recommend, let the library know!

Guest post by Sara Luchuk, April 2026