The Hurricane Girls
-
- $12.99
Publisher Description
A coming-of-age middle grade novel about three best friends born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina who must confront storms of their own 12 years later, from a National Book Award-winning author.
★ "Holt takes time developing these characters, allowing readers to see both their individual and collective growth in this appealing and sensitive novel."—The Horn Book, starred review
Born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Greer, Joya Mia, and Kiki are seventh graders and the best of friends. After an accident leaves Greer's little sister paralyzed, Greer is forever changed by the experience and blames herself. Kiki and Joya Mia will do anything to help Greer let go of this emotional burden, and a plan is hatched to compete in a triathlon. Each girl will participate: Kiki will swim, Joya Mia will cycle, and Greer, if they can persuade her, will run—something she once loved to do.
Set on the Westbank of New Orleans, this contemporary coming-of-age novel is a journey of growth, healing, and difficult transitions as the girls navigate their many life challenges: family trauma, body insecurity, and the conflict between ambition and responsibility. It's a powerful and enlightening exploration of how to surmount personal tragedy through friendship and forgiveness.
"A tender and triumphant story about friendship and family, in a proud and resilient city."―Deborah Wiles, author of the National Book Award finalists Each Little Bird That Sings and Revolution
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Interpersonal conflicts threaten the friendship of three New Orleans seventh graders in this slice-of-life novel by Holt (The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas). Because she went for a run instead of minding her younger sister, Greer believes that the traffic accident that resulted in her sibling needing a wheelchair is her fault. To lift Greer's spirits, best friend Kiki proposes that she, Greer, and their other friend Joya Mia—who dubbed themselves the Hurricane Girls after their collaboration on a school project about Hurricane Katrina—compete in a relay triathlon. But the race's events present problems for the trio: Kiki cannot swim despite attempting to learn in the pool her father had installed before he abandoned their family, Joya Mia shares her rusted old bike with her financially struggling household, and Greer doesn't want to run at all following her sister's accident. Myriad growing pains surrounding school, money, body image, and the future further imperil their bond. Nuanced relationship dynamics paired with complex characterizations drive this grounded look at the ways in which the aftermath of tragedy can reverberate long after the event and how community and connection can pave a path toward healing. Greer and Kiki read as white; Joya Mia is Mexican American. Ages 8–12.
