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It can be a struggle to read history you lived during. Being an adult at the time of Hurricane Katrina, I really wanted more from this book. I tell myself though that this is middle grade and the experience through the eyes of a child who can‘t completely understand what‘s going on. It definitely leaves me wondering how things turn out for Lanesha and TaShon. #middlegrademarchthroughtime

I‘ve thoroughly appreciated books by Jewel Parker Rhodes, so I was looking forward to this one that has been on my class shelf for a while. However, it didn‘t live up to my expectations. It‘s hard to explain without giving away major aspects of the story, but I think the ghosts and narrow focus of time and location kept it from making clear the reality of Hurricane Katrina.

#audiobook #MsDsLibrary #MiddleGrade #MiddleGradeMarchThroughTime 2005

#boundtogetherjune #boat

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lanesha struggles to survive after Hurricane Katrina destroys her home and neighborhood. Rhodes is a favorite mg author and I'm always up for some magical realism but I didn't enjoy this one as much as her other books.

“Oprah is a southern girl. That‘s why she‘s got so much sense!”

The title actually comes from the a distinctive region of New Orleans which is located in the easternmost downriver portion of the city. It is the largest of the 17 wards.

This book seems so fascinating, although I‘ve never read it. The book is dedicated to “all the children who experienced Hurricanes Katrina and the levees breaking in New Orleans.” This book would create such a lasting impact on children who aren‘t that familiar with Hurricane Katrina and the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

Mama Ya-Ya taught me hurricanes are Mother Nature's fits. 'We don't expect people to be quiet all the time, she likes to say. "Why nature?" Two sides to everything, everyone. Good and bad. Quiet and loud. Calm, stormy.

#Recommendsday! Ninth Ward was filled with love and sacrifice, coming of age, and finding your strength. I felt connected to the characters, and at home within a setting I had never experienced. I longed to meet and befriend Lanesha, or maybe take her in, wishing to provide her with parental care in her greatest time of need. This book reminded me of what I loved about reading as a child.

I'm suppose to be reading A Mighty Long Way, but I find it boring. Not this book though. I'm LOVING Ninth Ward. I love the language. I love the characters. I love the connections between the granddaughter and the grandmother. Even though they live in ugliness, their lives feel so beautiful.