Reviews

Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes

libscote's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

raelasoul's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I loved the book. Lanesha was one strong little girl and I loved how hopeful she always remained. I thought the ending was a little weak and incomplete. I was expecting a little bit more to end such a great read.

megnews's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

therearenobadbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A very poetic and beautiful story that scratches the horrors of the tragedy that Katrina brought to that city. I love the writing style, reminiscent of Tony Morrisson. A beautiful coming-of-age book.

mstownsley's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Magical realism for young readers. The relationships in the story are powerful and the story is interesting. My grade level team is reading this so that is why I read it. I would probably have stopped reading if it weren’t for that and missed the exciting conclusion.

mtownreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.75

missriki's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I devoured this book in one sitting. Coming from Jewell Parker Rhodes, I knew the writing would be excellent and the prose absolutely elegant in every way, but I never expected to go on the emotional journey that this book took me on. Knowing the book is about Hurricane Katrina had me prepared for something devastating, but despite the obvious tragic ending, this novel is full of hope.

Lanesha is a smart, insightful young lady who has a deeper spiritual connection with the world around her than most. She is resourceful and bright in overcoming the worst of odds as her home is flooded. I fell in love with Lanesha and with Mama Ya-Ya, who is the ultimate in maternal figures, despite the fact that she is not Lanesha’s birth mother. The beauty of Ninth Ward is in the elements of magical realism that allow Lanesha to both connect with Mama Ya-Ya as well as cope with the ultimate loss of her community.

Besides being just a story about the incredible ties of family, it is also a story of the interminable spirit of friendship. Lanesha and TaShon are amazing characters that forge an unbreakable bond through their fight for survival. They never give up on each other, despite any previous misgivings, and I cheered out loud for their success in overcoming incredible adversity.

Ninth Ward is riveting, with brilliant characters and a vivid description of setting. It is a beautiful combination of historical accuracy and magical realism. Read it out loud to your children or sit back and enjoy it yourself. Jewell Parker Rhodes is a master storyteller.

maxlampson's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

akmargie's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Interesting read about Hurricane Katrina and it's impact. A well paced story with magical elements.

kevinhendricks's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

A 12-year-old girl who can see ghosts survives Hurricane Katrina. It’s kind of a slow, rambling story that wasn’t as engaging as I’d hoped it would be.