Ninth Ward

In Jewell Parker Rhodes' poignant novel, "Ninth Ward," ten-year-old Lanesha, an orphan raised by her spiritual grandmother Mama Ya-Ya, possesses the unique ability to see spirits. Set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the story follows Lanesha as she and Mama Ya-Ya, too old to evacuate, prepare for the impending disaster in their New Orleans home. Lanesha's journey is one of immense bravery and resilience, as she navigates the physical dangers of the storm and the emotional challenges of loss, all while grappling with her spiritual gifts and the love for her community. This book offers a powerful, child-centered perspective on a historical tragedy, exploring themes of family, survival, and the supernatural with sensitivity and hope. It is ideal for middle-grade readers ready for a historical fiction story with a touch of magical realism.