This book is part of a series called growing up in America, which talks about different cultures in America. This story follows a young girl named Alida and her family. They live right on a Bayou and the bayou is her favorite place to go. There's then a few pages that talk about the history of Louisiana. Then Alida's love of Cajun music is discussed. Mardi gras is also talked about. This story is interesting because it switches between the story of Alida and information about Louisiana. ( )