Of the Katrina books, I have to say this one is one of my favorites. I love Saint's personality, I love his caring family and his neighborhood and his love of music and the dog. It shares many of the characteristics of other Katrina books -- there's a beloved dog, the kid runs away from his family to save the dog, ends up helping an elderly neighbor, several narrow escapes. What you will not find in here is a tie-in to a conversation about racism, but you will find a solid and engaging story. ( )

St. Louis Armstrong Beach wishes his name was a little less complicated, but he was named after his great-grandfather and his great-grandfather’s favorite musician. Saint is hoping to save up enough money to buy a special clarinet. Luckily, he's able to play his clarinet for the tourists and make money to save towards his goal. He gets closer every day. Things are confusing now that his best friend, Money, doesn't want to talk to him, and he had his palm read, which revealed that he has a short lifeline. Now he's worried about his future! When Saint’s family finds out Hurricane Katrina could hit their area, he's upset that they may have to leave town and go to his grandma's house. He knows the storm won’t hit, but decides he'll go as long as they can take Shadow, the neighborhood dog. What will they do when Shadow gets away? Will the hurricane really hit Saint’s house? Will he ever earn enough money to get that clarinet? You have to read this book to find out what happens to Saint and the rest of New Orleans.

St. Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods is a book that I read in one sitting. I could relate to the main character and how he felt about his best friend not wanting to hang out with him anymore. I loved that Saint really went after his dreams. Anyone who can save up close to $1000 for an instrument they want to practice shows a lot of determination, and I'd love to hear him play! Not only did I enjoy the story, but I felt the tension in the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina. My heart broke thinking about all the people whose lives changed during that time. There was a major storm taking place right outside my window while I read, and it definitely made the connections I felt even stronger! I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up, as there are some middle school topics. I look forward to reading more books by this author. ( )

This was a quick read, however at the beginning I was a bit confused and it took me several pages to get entranced in the storyline. I thought the scene during the Hurricane while Saint Louis was trapped with Miz Moran was especially well developed. I can imagine that this would be great within an interdisciplinary unit on weather and geography/social studies (and possibly music). I don't think this would be a go-to read for my two nieces 7 & 10 but I do think that it could be appealing to a young boy, someone who is interested in music, or is a free/independent spirit. ( )

Very touching, story about a boy who lived in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. He organizes his current memories and life around the hurricane, before, during and after. It is a great tale that includes the culture of New Orleans, and the struggle the city endured delivered in an appropriate way for children and adults. ( )

A story of a boy, a dog, a loving family, a wonderful community, and the fact that a major hurricane is about to hit New Orleans.

When it hits, young Saint Louis Armstrong Beach, is more concerned for the roving dog, whom he claims as his own, than he is about his own survival.

While his mother and father prepare to help others, Saint Louis leaves the car of his Aunt and Uncle that is heading out of New Orleans. Searching frantically for his beloved dog, he finally finds him. Seeking shelter at an elderly neightbor's house, the three of them are in for the terror of their lives.

As the diabetic medication of Miz Morgan runs out and the water rises into her attic, help must be found.

I loved the way in which the author painted the love of family, the love of New Orleans, and the love between a boy and his dog. ( )