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briannastw's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a gem. From its understated but lovely cover to Lanesha's quiet strength, I really enjoyed it. As I read, I felt a sense of urgency because I knew what was about to happen to Lanesha and her neighborhood, but I couldn't warn them of what was coming. I developed this uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach as the suspense built after the storm. Even though there was a sense of impending danger throughout most of the book, I couldn't put it down - I wanted to keep reading to find out how Lanesha would navigate her way through the next challenge.
Three cheers for a female heroine who is bright, strong, and resourceful while being realistically vulnerable as well.
Three cheers for a female heroine who is bright, strong, and resourceful while being realistically vulnerable as well.
libscote's review against another edition
4.0
I have been wanting to read this book for a while, since I first saw its cover on the Allen County Public Library Mock Newbery blog. I'm surprised that it isn't on more Mock lists. It wasn't quite as good as I was expecting, although I can't put my finger on exactly what is missing. It probably is the best book I've read that's been published this year, however.
mudder17's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this story about friendship, love, and finding your strength in the middle of a natural disaster (Katrina hitting and flooding New Orleans). Lanesha is a girl who is thought of as "odd" along with her Ya-Ya who has raised her because her own mother died in childbirth. Her grandmother is known for her midwifery skills and having a second sight until some rough birthings scare people into thinking she's bad luck. The other kids ignore Lanesha for the most part, partly because they're scared of her. Rhodes tells the story of the hurricane and subsequent flooding from Lanesha's point of view and you can feel the terror as she tries to keep her grandmother and herself alive (and then the neighbor boy). I really enjoyed the incorporation of the supernatural as Lanesha finds her way through the disaster and through it, discover who she is. I really liked Sisi Aisha Johnson's narration for this book (I've listened to other books by her) and thought it really made the book shine. Although the story was probably not quite a strong as Towers Falling (in my opinion), the narration was definitely better. This is a great book for middle school girls, but can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
mariamareads's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve read this book so many times, I can’t keep count. This story is one that will never get old for me. It is so beautifully written and just an amazing story. I love the characters and their kindness and their madness.
abgoelz's review against another edition
5.0
Jewell Parker Rhodes is human proof that writing made for middle grade kids can be thoughtful, interesting, and beautiful.
arisbookcorner's review against another edition
5.0
I adore this book. I had one or two little issues with it, but ultimately they didn't really factor into my enjoyment of the story. At times Ninth Ward could be quite vague. Lanesha often refers to her mysterious "uptown family", but she never really explains who they are or why they want nothing to do with her. Sure I can guess why that is, but this is one of those times that I wanted it spelled out for me. Lanesha talks about it at first, then she forgets about them and then she thinks about them all over again. I wanted some answers for her sake as well as my own. I think the story could have been a bit longer. The ending seemed rather abrupt, it didn't have to be much longer, just cover one or two other events that were left open.
"I'M NOT ASHAMED OF ME." What twelve year old do you know who would say that? Better yet, what high school student would say that? I certainly can't make that statement with confidence. The Incredible Quote I shared produced two distinct emotions in me, complete and utter sadness because at that line I officially wanted to be Lanesha's big sister (I'd even settle for younger sister or friend) so that I could hug her and reiterate to her how wonderful she is, and yet, her classmates can't see that. I also felt awe and joy because the fact that someone as young as Lanesha can be so comfortable in their own skin is beyond inspiring. Lanesha is one of the most commendable heroines that I've ever read. A large part of her appeal is her precociousness. I love that she immediately stepped up to help out Mama Ya Ya and anyone else who came to her door needing help. I kept forgetting she was twelve, I'm pretty sure I would not have had her courage at the age of twelve in the face of such a scary storm.
Ninth Ward is a quick read that glides along, guided by the consistent and valiant voice of Lanesha. Lanesha is not all brave all the time. That would not be realistic. she has moments of doubt and she faces real terror, I was holding my breath at times. Yet, somehow, she pushes through. I can only attribute to her being a remarkable young woman raised in a harsh environment but by a loving mother-like figure. I do wish some elements of the story had been further discussed and there was a particular storyline that I wanted a conclusion to. However there are twists in every chapter and the added supernatural of Lanesha seeing ghosts is an excellent addition to the story. Lanesha is thought to be evil because she was born with a caul, but Mama Ya Ya teaches her that being born with a caul makes her special and that she should embrace her gift to see ghosts. Lanesha embraces life with both arms, her gifts, her oftentimes dismal situation and her uniqueness. This is one character I would love to meet. In addition to the fabulous protagonist, the writing is simplistic but not in a bad way. It's fitting for the story, no-nonsense with a hint of a whimsical air.
"I'M NOT ASHAMED OF ME." What twelve year old do you know who would say that? Better yet, what high school student would say that? I certainly can't make that statement with confidence. The Incredible Quote I shared produced two distinct emotions in me, complete and utter sadness because at that line I officially wanted to be Lanesha's big sister (I'd even settle for younger sister or friend) so that I could hug her and reiterate to her how wonderful she is, and yet, her classmates can't see that. I also felt awe and joy because the fact that someone as young as Lanesha can be so comfortable in their own skin is beyond inspiring. Lanesha is one of the most commendable heroines that I've ever read. A large part of her appeal is her precociousness. I love that she immediately stepped up to help out Mama Ya Ya and anyone else who came to her door needing help. I kept forgetting she was twelve, I'm pretty sure I would not have had her courage at the age of twelve in the face of such a scary storm.
Ninth Ward is a quick read that glides along, guided by the consistent and valiant voice of Lanesha. Lanesha is not all brave all the time. That would not be realistic. she has moments of doubt and she faces real terror, I was holding my breath at times. Yet, somehow, she pushes through. I can only attribute to her being a remarkable young woman raised in a harsh environment but by a loving mother-like figure. I do wish some elements of the story had been further discussed and there was a particular storyline that I wanted a conclusion to. However there are twists in every chapter and the added supernatural of Lanesha seeing ghosts is an excellent addition to the story. Lanesha is thought to be evil because she was born with a caul, but Mama Ya Ya teaches her that being born with a caul makes her special and that she should embrace her gift to see ghosts. Lanesha embraces life with both arms, her gifts, her oftentimes dismal situation and her uniqueness. This is one character I would love to meet. In addition to the fabulous protagonist, the writing is simplistic but not in a bad way. It's fitting for the story, no-nonsense with a hint of a whimsical air.
chloehey's review against another edition
3.0
Apart from the rather creepy aspect of ghosts. It is a good story and I liked it very much.
donifaber's review against another edition
4.0
After reading this, I can't imagine a children's book about Katrina being written any other way.
mldavisreads's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a while to get in to this story. The dialect was so strong, it was almost in your face.