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Ninth Ward  By  cover art

Ninth Ward

By: Jewell Parker Rhodes
Narrated by: Sisi Aisha Johnson
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Publisher's summary

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)

What listeners say about Ninth Ward

Average customer ratings
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

The only thing worse than narrator is story itself

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I can't imagine anyone!

Has Ninth Ward turned you off from other books in this genre?

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, but this author clearly doesn't know a thing about New Orleans beyond its ignorant stereotypes.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Sisi Aisha Johnson?

Anyone who actually sounds like a black girl from the south.

What character would you cut from Ninth Ward?

Lanesha. She's annoying, not lovable.

Any additional comments?

Awful. Wasted my credit.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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Extremely Boring

This book was a bad book from the start. It is very slow and boring, and takes way to long to get the actual plot started. The character development is very mundane, and my 6th grade students showed no interest in the story. The female reading the story exhibits a horrible performance.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Nice story

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Short & Powerful

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

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Ninth Ward

This story is good and it does demonstrate a lot of what it’s like to be in a situation like a natural disaster, however, I felt like the story could be executed better.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Very Suspenseful. Strong, amazing young girl ...

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Touching

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing

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

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