69 pages • 2 hours read
Ninth Ward
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
New Orleans • 2000s
2010
Middle grade
10-14 years
HL470L
Super Short Summary
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes follows 12-year-old Lanesha in New Orleans’s Ninth Ward during Hurricane Katrina, where she relies on her resourcefulness, resilience, and fortitude to survive the storm and subsequent flooding alongside her elderly caregiver, Mama Ya-Ya, and their neighbor, TaShon. This novel features themes of survival, community, and the supernatural.
Emotional
Heartwarming
Melancholic
Inspirational
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
7,364 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jewell Parker Rhodes' Ninth Ward is praised for its compelling depiction of a young girl’s resilience during Hurricane Katrina, blending magical realism with real-life events. Critics laud its poignant narrative and strong characters, though some feel its pacing is uneven. Overall, it's seen as a powerful and emotional story for middle-grade readers.
Who Should Read Ninth Ward?
Fans of The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 and A Long Walk to Water will appreciate Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes. This poignant tale appeals to middle-grade and young adult readers who enjoy heartfelt, coming-of-age stories that tackle historical events through the eyes of resilient, young protagonists.
7,364 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
224
Novel • Fiction
New Orleans • 2000s
2010
Middle grade
10-14 years
HL470L
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