I really got into this story, probably because I didn't know very much about the experience of being in the Ninth Ward during Hurricane Katrina. I was fascinated by the timeline--the area flooded slowly in the days after the hurricane hit, and then people were stranded for days with no rescue. My colleagues have criticized the ending for being too vague because the story doesn't come to a satisfying conclusion (we're left wondering what is going to happen to Lanesha). But I thought it was still a very powerful little book that kept me totally enthralled. Beautifully written, with wonderful characters and a bit of a history lesson. ( )

Three and a half stars. The e-book I checked out for my second read of this, has a beautiful cover. I remembered this to be a story about Hurricane Katrina, but remembered nothing beyond that. The hurricane doesn't happen until halfway through the book, and there's such a huge, effective buildup to it. The writing was sparse but I worried and was sad for each character. I thought the worst would befall them all. Heartbreaking decisions are made to leave, stay, and what to leave behind. My heart sank often. This did not always feel like a fiction book to me. It was tense and scary, and I wanted to cry when I realized before the protagonist did, that the levees had burst. Every time there was a ray of hope, I wanted to shout to the characters so they'd be okay. The writing was sparse yet vivid. The book ends abruptly and it's weird. I'm glad I reread it. ( )

I suppose it's crazy to put a hurricane Katrina story in historical fiction, but it was a profoundly devastating event, so... Anyway. This wee story of Lanesha and her Mama Ya-Ya and her neighborhood in the Ninth ward, and her ability to see spirits is enrapturing. Lanesha is so full of tough, compassionate, stubborn, life. She deals with what is handed to her, and her bright courage elevates everyone around her. Loved it. ( )

RGG: The point of view of twelve-year-old Lanesha's survival of Hurricane Katrina is magical. Her ability to see ghosts creates empathy not horror. Intense realism with Lanesha's indomitable spirit make for an amazing read. Reading Interest: 11-13.

RGG: The point of view of twelve-year-old Lanesha's survival of Hurricane Katrina is magical. Her ability to see ghosts creates empathy not horror. Intense realism with Lanesha's indomitable spirit make for an amazing read. Reading Interest: 11-13.