Between Palms and Pages: A Reading Odyssey through the Florida Peninsula
- Mikayla Young
- Mar 7
- 7 min read
Florida is often seen as a land of sun-soaked beaches, thrilling theme parks, and enchanting wildlife. But there is much more to discover in this vibrant region, especially in its rich literary landscape. It is home to countless authors and stories that capture the essence of its unique culture, geography, and history. Welcome to the "Read Around the World Challenge," where we explore the literary treasures of Florida. Together, we will dive into books set in this sun-drenched paradise and those written by its talented authors. Our journey covers children's and middle-grade books, young adult novels, and captivating reads for adults.
Rediscovering Florida through Children's and Middle Grade Books
Florida’s diverse landscapes and cultures provide a perfect backdrop for children's and middle-grade literature. From adventures in the Everglades to explorations of coastal life, these stories spark the imagination of young readers eager to experience the wonders of the Sunshine State.
Series: Freddy the Pig 1
Published: January 1, 1927
Ages: 8+
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction
Format: Novel
"Freddy Goes to Florida" is a delightful children's adventure novel by Walter R. Brooks, following a group of animals from Bean Farm on their journey to Florida to escape the harsh northern winters. Along the way, they experience a series of adventures, including run-ins with bumbling robbers and encounters with alligators, making for an engaging and whimsical tale.
Series: Sunny 1
Published: August 25, 2015
Ages: 8+
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Sunny Lewin's summer vacation takes an unexpected turn when she's sent to Florida to stay with her grandfather. Initially, she imagines Florida as a fun destination with Disney World, but Gramps' community is filled with elderly residents, far from an amusement park. Sunny soon befriends Buzz, a comic book enthusiast, and together they embark on adventures involving golf ball-eating alligators, runaway cats, and disappearing neighbors. As Sunny navigates these escapades, she uncovers the real reason behind her stay in Florida—a family secret that is about to be revealed to her.
Published: January 1, 1979
Ages: 6+
Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Science
Format: Picture Book
Meet Sam the sea cow, a lovable manatee, in this beautifully illustrated picture book perfect for animal enthusiasts. Known as a sea cow for his resemblance to a cow grazing in the ocean, Sam embarks on a touching adventure from his birth, when he weighs an impressive forty pounds, through his growth. Alongside Sam's journey, readers discover numerous fun facts about manatees.
Published: March 1, 2000
Ages: 8+
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Animals
Novel
When Opal and her preacher father move to Naomi, Florida, she finds a dog at the Winn-Dixie supermarket, naming him after the store. This big, scruffy dog, Winn-Dixie, helps Opal learn about her absent mother through stories her father shares. Together, they befriend a colorful cast of characters, including Miss Franny Block, who once scared off a bear with a book, Gloria Dump, who sees with her heart, and Otis, a pet shop worker who serenades animals. Over the summer, Opal gathers stories about her new friends and reflects on her mother, ultimately learning about friendship, forgiveness, and letting go.
Engaging Young Adults with Florida’s Unique Stories
As readers mature, they look for stories that tackle more complex themes, and Florida’s young adult literature offers an excellent mix of adventure, identity, and the challenges of growing up in a dynamic state.
Published: December 6, 2022
Ages: 13+
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy, Magical Realism
Novel
In a near-future world marked by survival and resilience, Wanda—a child born during a catastrophic hurricane—navigates a transforming landscape. Florida, besieged by destructive weather and rising seas, faces a powerful hurricane that threatens a southeastern town. As Kirby Lowe, an electrical line worker, and his pregnant wife, Frida, brace for the storm, their sons, Flip and Lucas, vanish, prompting Kirby to search amidst the chaos. Alone, Frida gives birth prematurely to Wanda, named after the storm that heralds societal collapse. As Florida deteriorates, Wanda matures, adapting to both the evolving environment and the remaining inhabitants of a forsaken place. She experiences loss, finds community, and seeks adventure, love, and purpose in a world reshaped by nature. "The Light Pirate," structured in four parts—power, water, light, and time—echoes the elemental rhythms and the gradual disintegration of familiar life, offering a reflection on the changes we resist, the future we fear, and the untamed beauty and violence of nature.
Published: May 10, 2022
Ages:13+
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Disability
Novel
In a beautifully crafted narrative, Verónica, a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia, seeks to become a mermaid at a Central Florida theme park during the summer before her senior year. As she navigates her first real relationship and learns to embrace her body, she faces the challenges of her disability, having undergone multiple surgeries. Swimming serves as both rehabilitation and passion, drawing her to audition for Mermaid Cove, an underwater attraction in her town. However, her conservative parents oppose both her dream and her budding romance with Alex, her new neighbor. Determined to take control of her life, Verónica's plans are upended when she discovers her parents have concealed truths about her own body.
Published: September 10, 2002
Ages: 10+
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Animals, Mystery
Novel
Roy's arrival in Florida begins with a run-in with the notorious bully, Dana Matherson. However, this encounter leads Roy to notice a mysterious, shoeless boy running away from the school bus, sparking his curiosity. As Roy follows this enigmatic figure, he encounters a world filled with potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and venomous snakes with glittering tails. Roy has truly stepped into Carl Hiaasen's Florida.
Adult Novels that Capture Florida's Essence
Florida's sun-drenched shores and complex history create a captivating backdrop for adult literature, whether fiction or non-fiction. Books by Florida authors explore layers of meaning through engaging narratives that tackle social issues, environmental challenges, and personal journeys.
Published: January 1, 1986
Ages: 18+
Genres: Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Mystery
Novel
On a Miami beach, the sole remnant of the first victim is a Shriner's fez. The second victim, the city's chamber of commerce head, is discovered dead with a toy rubber alligator in his throat. This marks the start of a chaotic adventure. Brian Keyes, transitioning from reporter to private investigator, dives into a whirlwind of murder investigations involving football players, politicians, police, a fanatic group, and a ravenous crocodile.
Published: September 4, 2012
Ages:18+
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Novel
In Depression-era Key West, Mariella Bennet, the daughter of an American fisherman and a Cuban woman, battles hunger and hardship following her father's death. Her journey leads her to a bar and bordello where a risky bet on a boxing match draws the attention of two men: the famed writer Ernest Hemingway and Gavin Murray, a WWI veteran working on the Overseas Highway. Hired as a maid by Hemingway’s wife, Pauline, Mariella enters a world of opulence and celebrity. Entangled in the tensions of the Hemingway household, she faces the allure of Hemingway’s attention and the steadfastness of Gavin Murray. As a massive hurricane threatens Key West, Mariella confronts harsh truths and the risk of losing everything she cherishes.
Series: Coconut Keys 1
Published: February 19, 2021
Ages: 18+
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Fiction
Novel
Beck Foster seeks a fresh start after her husband of thirty-four years leaves her, forcing her to sell their home and find a job. Reluctantly, she attends a party for her estranged aunt in the Florida Keys, accompanied by her daughter. In Coconut Key, Beck reconnects with her past, forms a meaningful relationship with her aunt, and explores new romantic possibilities. However, a long-buried secret threatens her newfound dreams. Beck must decide whether she can forgive past deceptions to embrace a new beginning.
Published: May 8, 2018
Ages: 18+
Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Novel
Allie's life unravels as her second husband dies in a fiery crash near their Cape San Blas home, marking another loss after her family's restaurant. Meanwhile, Joseph, haunted by Vietnam, isolates himself in a cabin, yet each day pours two cups of coffee, a ritual hinting at his loneliness. Fate intervenes when he helps a lost family near his cabin, bringing him back to Florida in time to witness the explosion. Realizing his childhood sweetheart needs him, Joseph faces the distance and secrets that could keep them apart. Send Down the Rain explores the power of truth and love to heal past wounds.
Published: May 4, 2021
Ages: 18+
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Thriller
Novel
Letty Carnahan is on the run after finding her sister Tanya dead, convinced that Tanya’s ex, Evan Wingfield, is responsible. Following Tanya’s last plea, Letty escapes with her niece Maya, carrying a stash of cash, a diamond ring, and a clue pointing to a motel in Treasure Island, Florida. At The Murmuring Surf Motel, Letty encounters a wary community of retirees and faces suspicion, especially from Joe, the owner’s son and a local detective. As she navigates this new life, Letty aims to protect Maya, uncover Tanya’s secrets, and avoid capture, all while romance and danger loom. It’s a race against time to unravel the past and secure a future.
Embracing the Stories of Florida
The exploration of Florida's literary landscape illustrates the power of storytelling to connect people and spark curiosity. Each book, from children's adventures to adult narratives addressing profound truths, reflects the unique beauty and complexities that Florida offers.
The "Read Around the World Challenge" serves as an important reminder that literature can transport readers to different places and experiences, enriching their understanding of the world. As we turn the pages and immerse ourselves in these captivating stories, we learn not just about Florida but also about the universal threads that bind us all.
So, find a cozy spot, grab your favorite drink, and begin your reading adventure through the Florida Peninsula. Discover the voices that tell tales of sun-kissed shores while also addressing timeless emotions and common themes. The pages await, and a vibrant world of stories lies ahead.
Happy reading!
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