This story grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me yearning to find out what happens to the ‘Marsh Girl’ who is accused of murder. Katherine Clark, who goes by the name Kya, is a young girl when the story begins. She lives with her family in the marshes of North Carolina. Her father tends to drink and become violent so her mother leaves one day and doesn’t come back. One by one her siblings also leave the marsh to pursue their lives out in the world. In the end it’s just Kya and her father and then finally it’s just Kya trying to support herself and survive.

In order to make money she sells things she catches and with the help and compassion of a couple in town she is able to make enough to support herself. One day Kya runs into an old friend of her brothers. Tate quickly becomes Kya’s best friend and first love. He teaches her to read and write and over time Kya teaches herself through books all about the creatures and plants around her. Eventually she takes that knowledge and becomes a published author and expert in her field.

Kya is accused of murdering a boy she knew in town but once you get to know her you can’t imagine such a gentle, innocent person harming anyone. You will need to read and find out about the outcome of the trial and you will absolutely love the ending!

If you are interested in purchasing Where the Crawdads Sing: