Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina

About this book

Zane Dupree is a charismatic 12-year-old boy of mixed race visiting a relative in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits. Unexpectedly separated from all family, Zane and his dog experience the terror of Katrina's wind, rain, and horrific flooding. Facing death, they are rescued from an attic air vent by a kind, elderly musician and a scrappy young girl--both African American. The chaos that ensues as storm water drowns the city, shelter and food vanish, and police contribute to a dangerous, frightening atmosphere, creates a page-turning tale that completely engrosses the reader. Based on the facts of the worst hurricane disaster in U.S. history, Philbrick includes the lawlessness and lack of government support during the disaster as well as the generosity and courage of those who risked their lives and safety to help others. Here is an unforgettable novel of heroism in the face of truly challenging circumstances.

Reviews

Praise for Rodman Philbrick

FREAK THE MIGHTY
A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book for Young Adults
A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
A YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
An IRA Young Adults' Choices Book
A winner of: Arizona Young Readers' Award, California Young Reader Medal, Charlotte Award, Golden Sower Award (Nebraska), Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature (California), Soaring Eagle Book Award (Wyoming)
* "Max's description of their friendship . . . is gritty, unsentimental, sparked with Freak's wry verbal wit and Max's earthier humor, and ultimately poignant. Easily read but compelling: an intriguing and unusual story."--KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

FREAK THE MIGHTY 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Published September 2013 in hardcover, featuring thirty-two pages of commentary by the author

THE MOSTLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGG
A Newbery Honor Book
A Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee
An Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner
A New York Public Library's CHILDREN'S BOOKS 2009--100 TITLES FOR READING AND SHARING
A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2010
* "The book wouldn't be nearly as much fun without Homer's tall tales, but there are serious moments, too, and the horror of war and injustice of slavery ring clearly above the din of playful exaggerations."--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review

THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SEA
A Capitol Choice
A Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice
A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book and starred review
"Readers will be hooked."--KIRKUS REVIEWS

THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year
A VOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Book
A National Council for the Social Studies NCSS Notable Book
A YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
"Philbrick has outdone himself. . . . . this futuristic novel will stimulate thought and discussion among contemporary readers."--VOYA

THE FIRE PONY
A Capitol Choice
A Maryland Children's Book Award Winner
* "Crisply eventful, pungent in its descriptions, crackling with action, Philbrick has created a real dilly of a novel."--KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review