Ninth Ward (Coretta Scott King Author Honor Title)

Jewell Parker Rhodes

Aug 2010 · Sold by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

About this ebook

From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a heartbreaking and uplifting tale of survival in the face of Hurricane Katrina.

Twelve-year-old Lanesha lives in a tight-knit community in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. She doesn't have a fancy house like her uptown family or lots of friends like the other kids on her street. But what she does have is Mama Ya-Ya, her fiercely loving caretaker, wise in the ways of the world and able to predict the future. So when Mama Ya-Ya's visions show a powerful hurricane--Katrina--fast approaching, it's up to Lanesha to call upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has given her to help them both survive the storm.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Boys and Towers Falling, Ninth Ward is a deeply emotional story about transformation and a celebration of resilience, friendship, and family--as only love can define it.

Ratings and reviews

I am from new orleans so i know we like our grandma more than anyone. We just come up with nice traditions like bakeing cookies.We also like telling stories.Everyone should share that same experience i did.i mean they are close to dieing. Then you can never talk to them again.

I read this book a year ago and whenever the name is brought up i remember each and every detail about Lanesha's story. I grew very attached to the characters especially Mama Ya-Ya.This book made me laugh and cry just like some of the best books make you do. This book was very soul-full and had a laid back southern vibe to it .

The characters were wonderful...I really came to care for them. As an event in my lifetime, I watched as Hurricane Katrina swept through Lousianna on the TV, night afeter night, thinking how horrible for the victims, and how fortunate I am to live where there is so little natural disaster. Ms. Rhodes put me right there, no screen between me and the hurricane and the people in New Orleans. I dreaded learning the outcomes, knowing the storm that was coming. I found myself gasping for breath in the attic, as I tore through the last chapters. I loved this book. Bravo, Ms. Rhodes!

About the author

Jewell Parker Rhodes is the author of Ninth Ward, a Coretta Scott King honor book, Sugar, winner of the Jane Adams Peace Association book award, Bayou Magic, and Towers Falling. She has also written many award-winning books for adults.