Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina (for ages 9-14) by Rodman Philbrick
Zane Dupree is against the trip to New Orleans (a.k.a Smellyville). Zane’s father died before he was born, so he doesn’t know much about his past. It isn’t until Zane is twelve that his mom finds Miss Trissy, the woman who raised his dad. Zane’s mom wants him to go back to his roots for a week. He only agrees to go if he can bring his best friend, his dog Bandit.
Surprisingly, once he arrives in New Orleans, Zane takes an immediate liking to Miss Trissy. Despite being ancient and not having a working television or air conditioning, Miss Trissy does what she can to make Zane happy. She tells him stories of his dad growing up; they look through old pictures, and they eat ice cream on the porch. The week passes by quickly until word of a hurricane heading their way changes it all.
Once the storm hits, things happen quickly. The whole city becomes flooded and Zane finds himself separated from Miss Trissy and stranded in an attic with Bandit, to be rescued by Mr. Tru and Malvina in a green canoe. They scour the city, hoping to find a place to survive the flooded aftermath of a devastating storm.
Will Zane be able to survive the storm? Will he be reunited with his mom and Miss Trissy? Read and find out! Then leave a comment with your thoughts and feelings below!
—Elysse, STACKS Writer
Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
Rodman Philbrick
When Homer's under-age brother is sold to the Union Army, Homer's running down the East Coast to bring him home. Homer starts as an abused orphan who lives in a barn, but his unique relationship with the truth helps him as he follows the Union Army south. Along the way, he helps free some slaves, takes a steamship, joins a medicine show, steals a hot-air balloon, and witnesses the battle of Gettysburg first hand.
What could be a harrowing adventure story is instead told tall-tale style for humorous effect as Homer talks his way out of one predicament or another. It's a fun travel story as one kid searches for his older brother, the only family he's ever known. It could be gripping and it could be heartbreaking, but instead it was just plain fun. I think it would make a great chapter-a-night read aloud for younger elementary students and a fun one to use in classrooms with older readers.
I'm happy to see a fun book get a Newbery nod.
Book Provided by... my local library
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