Ninth Ward

By: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Narrated by: Sisi Aisha Johnson

Acclaimed novelist Jewell Parker Rhodes is an American Book Award winner. Rhodes’ Ninth Ward is a stunning tale set against the horrors of Hurricane Katrina. Orphaned 12-year-old Lanesha lives with Mama Ya-Ya, the midwife who birthed her, in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward. Although Lanesha is different—able to see ghosts like that of her dead mother—she never feels unloved, an empowerment that helps her survive the devastating storm.

©2010 Jewell Parker Rhodes (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"If there are awards for books that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit, this one is a clear contender.” ( Children’s Literature)

Beautiful story, beautiful narration

Beautiful story, beautiful narration. Although the history of the 9th Ward and Hurricane Katrina brings me much sadness, this story remained uplifting and powerful.

One of the best and emotional book I’ve read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is the best I’ve read so far on audible. This was the book I chose for my reading group only because my friend chose it. I am very surprised most books are not super interesting to me but this book was amazingly good. The ending I think was the best but don’t skip the other parts, it’s just my opinion. By the way, I am 10 so don’t think kids won’t like it.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10 stars!

What a story

Wow! Is all I can say about this whirlwind of a story. I wasn't sure how it was going to play out since it involved hurricane katrina. But I was surprised and feed by all the"love shining down from the universe". Find out what im talking about.

Short & Powerful

Short & Powerful and thoroughly detailed. Most Spiritual folk know there was more to Katrina. Enjoyed.

Very Suspenseful. Strong, amazing young girl ...

Bright Lanesha uses her problem solving skills and fortitude to help a friend and herself survive hurricane Katrina.

Magic

Loved the narrator. The book is filled with love and magic between a girl and her mom and guardian ,Mama YaYa. She reminds me of my grandma. The main character learns to find her inner strength and have faith.

Touching

The last chapter was my favorite.
It was just so amazing I can’t describe it in words.

Amazing

I loved this book I would recommend it to everyone I know. This is now one of my new favorite books.

Nice story

I enjoyed the narration and descriptions in this story. Very easy to enjoy and understand.

Like a hurricane building... so does this story

I read this for a graduate class that was focusing on children's lit. This story is slow to build, kind of like the hurricane referenced in the story. And, just like Hurricane Katrina, you think the climax is past but then you realize that there is more to come - painstakingly slow to resolve. Did I enjoy this story? Absolutely! But I put myself into the characters' story and felt that agony of time barely passing with the waters rising.... tension that builds and sustains but doesn't resolve until almost the very end.