Twelve year old Lanesha's mother died when she was born. Mama Ya-Ya, midwife, healer, able to see the future, has raised her in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans ever since. Lanesha has 'the sight', which means she can see ghosts, including her mother. When Hurricane Katrina begins to form offshore, Mama Ya-Ya declares that this will be a bad storm. Lanesha realizes that this time she needs to take care of Mama Ya-Ya, and she needs to use everything she has been taught. The fury of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath come alive through the eyes of Lanesha.

Awards nominated: 2013 Rebecca Caudill Nominee

Awards won: ALSC Notable Book 2012; School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 6/4/2012

ISBN-10: 0316043087

ISBN-13: 9780316043083

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This unusual graphic novel tells the tales of women who dared to defy convention and do things that were forbidden for women to do--while disguised as men! The bold, black and white illustrations and distinctive style bring to life these fascinating stories. Read about a female pharoah, a woman who commanded a Viking raiding ship, a soldier, and more. These women showed bravery equal to or more than that of your typical hero. They risked all to be free, to love who they wanted, for power and for adventure, and their legendary tales make for an amazing read.

Similar books: Independent Dames by Laurie Halse Anderson; Women Daredevils by Julie Cummins; The Serpent Slayer: and Other Stories of Strong Women by Katrin Tchana

Reviewed by: lauraf

Date read: 2/1/2013

ISBN-10: 1554531772

ISBN-13: 9781554531776

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Helen of Sparta thinks that being a princess is boring and wants to be a warrior instead. Sequel: Nobody's Prize.

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/5/2009

ISBN-10: 037587528X

ISBN-13: 9780375875281

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Grandma and Wren don't understand why Grandpa is building a new farm house when the one they have is perfectly fine. But on November 2, 1927, everything changes. Nine inches of rain fall in Vermont in two days. The river keeps rising. One by one, the townspeople and their animals move into the unfinished house because it is the only one left on high ground. But Grandpa is still out in the storm! Wren and Grandma head out in a boat to look for him: will they find him? An author's note describes the historical setting of the story: the Vermont Flood of 1927.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/8/2009

ISBN-10: 0060295171

ISBN-13: 9780060295172

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Nory Ryan and her family have always lived in Ireland. They love the sea and the rolling hills, and they all love each other. Da is out to sea to pay for the rent, while Nory and her siblings stay home with her grandpa to grow potatoes and catch fish. But soon, their neighbors are thrown out of their house. Even worse, a potato disease has plauged the land and all of the potatoes are spoiled. They all dream of being free in America, but only Nory's older sister braves the journey. Nory is left to find food and money for her family and her neighbors. To find out what happens to Nory and if they ever get to America, read this book.

Similar books: Meggie's Door by Joanne Sundell; Water Street by Patricia Reilly Giff

Reviewed by: mtk

Date read: 7/23/2009

ISBN-10: 0385321414

ISBN-13: 9780385321419

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