Hurricane Song

Volponi, Paul, Hurricane Song, Speak, 2009, 138 pgs.

Summary: The reality of what happened to the people of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and the days after is still up to speculation. This novel through the eyes of a teenage boy brings to light the destruction that followed this terrible natural disaster. The novel follows a young teenage boy from the streets of New Orleans before the hurricane hit, to the Superdome after the destruction had occurred. The raw feelings and observations expressed in this novel will make your cringe, laugh, and cry as you learn of the way many citizens were treated, the gangs that ran the Superdome, and the faith that was had by so many of those affected. The events leading up to the hurricane paint a picture of a dysfunctional family and a young boy unsure of his place. As they enter the Superdome together it becomes clear that the only way they will survive is to join together and become a true family. No longer can they each fake emotion, they really have to care for each other or else all may be lost, even each other.

Evaluation: The uniqueness of using a teenage boy to tell the story is perfect. I found myself wanting to shelter him from the pain that was so obviously felt by so many. This novel is a great documentation of what so many went through during that time in our recent history. I often find it difficult to find books that are from the viewpoint of boys and are so emotional. I would caution which readers I recommend this to only because of some of the language.

Annotation: We were all together. We had nobody to trust, but ourselves and nothing but the clothes on our backs.

Significance of Book: This book is significant because of how recent Hurricane Katrina is and of how vivid the descriptions are of the living conditions within the Superdome during this event.

Genre/subject: fiction, natural disasters, family relationships

Awards:

National:

• ALA Popular Paperbacks: 2010,

State:

• Delaware: Diamond Award Nominees: 2010

Why I selected the book: I haven’t read much on hurricane Katrina and I found it interesting that this book was from the point of view of a teen in the super dome.

Price: $17.09