69 pages 2 hours read

Jewell Parker Rhodes

Ninth Ward

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2010

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

HL470L

Book Details

Genre

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

African American Literature

Children's Literature

Topics

Relationships

Natural Disaster

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Relationships: Family

Natural World: Environment