A boy, a dog, and New Orleans' most famous storm—Hurricane Katrina.

Saint is a boy with confidence as big as his name is long. A budding musician, he earns money playing clarinet for the New Orleans tourists, and his best friend is a stray dog named Shadow. At first Saint is sure that Hurricane Katrina will be just like the last one--no big deal. But then the city is ordered to evacuate and Saint refuses to leave without Shadow. Saint and Shadow flee to his neighbor's attic--and soon enough it's up to Saint to save them all.

"Woods takes us right into New Orleans, right into the eye of the storm and the heart of New Orleans' people." — Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winnng author of Brown Girl Dreaming

"Provides a vivid description of what life was like in pre-Katrina New Orleans, and how quickly peoples' lives were shattered. The characters are well-developed, and readers truly will care about their fates." — Library Media Connection, starred review

"A small gem that sparkles with hope, resilience and the Crescent City's unique, jazz-infused spirit." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Gripping. . . . A small gem that sparkles with hope, resilience and the Crescent City's unique, jazz-infused spirit."

 

— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Readers will quickly take a shine to Saint. . . . The food, music, and tempo of New Orleans all come to life. . . . While the tragedy of the event is not glossed over, the overall theme is one of hope."

 

— School Library Journal, starred review

"Provides a vivid description of what life was like in pre-Katrina New Orleans, and how quickly peoples' lives were shattered. The characters are well-developed, and readers truly will care about their fates."

 

— Library Media Connection, starred review

"Spare, moving. . . . Carefully crafted backstory. . . . Vividly portrays the force of the storm, and the authentic New Orleans setting works as a powerful character, adding an extra dimension."

 

— The Horn Book

"As the water rises, so does the suspense. . . . What lies at the heart of this story rings true: Saint's love for his neighborhood and his hard-earned hope for the future."

 

— Booklist

"Will obviously beg comparison with Jewell Parke Rhodes's Ninth Ward. . . . Both books are solid reads that feature likable protagonists with distinctive, readable voices, and emphasize the importance of faith, community, and resilience."

 

— The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Woods concludes on a realistically uncertain note. . . . Saint is an easy protagonist to love."

 

— Publishers Weekly