Ninth Ward

Ninth Ward. by Jewell Parker Rhodes. (2010). 217p. New York: Little Brown.

Awards and Honors: 
2010 Coretta Scott King Honor Author Award; 2010 Parents Choice Foundation Gold Award; Best Fiction of 2010, School Library Journal; 2011 Jane Addams Honor Book Award for Older Children

Review: 

Twelve-year-old Lanesha is growing up in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, a tough, but close-knit neighborhood, and while Lanesha's home is not wealthy, she never lacks for love. She lives with Mama Ya Ya, the midwife who birthed her and has raised her ever since her mother died in childbirth. Lanesha and Mama Ya Ya both share "the gift". In Lanesha it manifests as an ability to see ghosts, while Mama Ya Ya has visions of events that will come. When a fierce hurricane bears down upon New Orleans, Mama Ya Ya knows that it will be unlike anything she's seen in her 82 years and Lanesha learns that she must be strong and smart to overcome the disaster. 

Opinion:

Ninth Ward is a beautiful and moving book, but unlike some other books with big messages, it's one that doesn't overshoot its audience. Its language is accessible for tweens, and kids will be drawn into the story by Rhode's pacing and her use of suspense.

Ideas:

Ninth Ward could be an illuminating addition to a unit on natural disasters.

Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia. by Katherine Paterson. 1977. 128p. New York: Scholastic Press. 

Honors and Awards: Newbery Medal

Review: 
Fifth grader Jesse Aarons is the only boy in a family of four sisters growing up in rural Virginia. Jesse is known as the "fastest kid at school", a title which he values highly. When Leslie Burke, the new girl at school, outruns him in a race on her first day, Jesse is upset though he and Leslie soon form a close friendship. Together Jesse and Leslie create a secret kingdom that they name Terabithia. Through his relationship with Leslie and their secret world, Jesse learns to face his fears, and experiences a terrible loss that forces him to mature.

Opinion:
Bridge to Terabithia is a classic of middle grade literature and it's a wonderful example of exactly how powerful, moving and beautiful a book for youth can be. I was absolutely blown away by the book and only sorry that I had not read it early.

Ideas: 
Bridge to Terabithia is one of the most frequently challenged children's books and an excellent choice for a Banned Books Month display or in a discussion of intellectual freedom for kids.