Stratton-Porter, Gene

Author: Gene Stratton-Porter

Gene Stratton-Porter was a naturalist, photographer, and author known for weaving her love of nature into her fiction. Her books, including A Girl of the Limberlost and Freckles, offer readers a glimpse into Indiana’s once-vast Limberlost Swamp and the environmental beauty she sought to preserve.

Featured Book

A Girl of the Limberlost
Read online: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/125
This coming-of-age novel follows Elnora Comstock, a determined young woman living near the Limberlost Swamp, as she pursues education and independence. Rich in descriptions of nature and themes of resilience, the book is a classic of early environmental literature.

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More by Stratton-Porter

Freckles
Read online: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/111
A companion novel to A Girl of the Limberlost, this story tells of an orphaned boy who finds purpose and identity while guarding timber in the Limberlost.

Background & Environment

The Limberlost Swamp
Learn about the real Indiana swamp that inspired her stories.
https://www.indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/limberlost/

Indiana’s Wetlands
A deeper look into the ecosystems of Indiana.
https://digitalresearch.bsu.edu/landandlit/Environment/Ecosystems/wetlands.html

Plant Species at Limberlost Swamp
Explore the flora featured in Stratton-Porter’s work.
https://digitalresearch.bsu.edu/landandlit/about_us/wetland_plant.html

About the Author

Gene Stratton-Porter biography and contributions:
https://digitalresearch.bsu.edu/landandlit/Literature/Authors/portergs.htm

Archived educator guide (includes project ideas and visuals):
https://web.archive.org/web/20050122132729/http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/imls/activities/instruction/webartist.pdf

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Vocabulary from A Girl of the Limberlost

1. Limberlost – A historical wetland region in Indiana, rich in biodiversity and central to the novel’s setting.
2. Swamp – Wet, spongy land, often with standing water and dense vegetation.
3. Moth – A nocturnal insect, many species of which Elnora collects and studies.
4. Naturalist – A person who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially zoology or botany.
5. Specimen – An individual animal, plant, or mineral used as an example of its species or type for study or display.
6. Aversion – A strong dislike or disinclination.
7. Perseverance – Continued effort despite difficulties or delays in achieving success.
8. Despondent – In low spirits from loss of hope or confidence.
9. Timber – Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry; also refers to forested land used for logging.
10. Scorn – Contempt or disdain felt toward someone or something considered unworthy.
11. Hominy – Hulled corn kernels boiled and used as food, especially in traditional Midwestern cooking.
12. Valedictorian – The student with the highest academic achievements in a graduating class, often giving a farewell speech.
13. Wainscoting – Wooden paneling that lines the lower part of the walls of a room.
14. Gingham – Lightweight plain-woven cotton cloth, typically checked in white and a bold color.
15. Reproach – To express disapproval or disappointment.

Tip: Have children look for these words in context and keep a vocabulary journal while reading the book.