Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina - by Rodman Philbrick (Paperback)

About the Book

A twelve-year-old boy and his dog become trapped in New Orleans during the horrors of Hurricane Katrina.

Book Synopsis

Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick presents a gripping yet poignant novel about a 12-year-old boy and his dog who become trapped in New Orleans during the horrors of Hurricane Katrina.

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.

Review Quotes

Praise for Freak the MightyA School Library Journal Best Book for Young Adults A YALSA Best Book for Young AdultsA YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult ReadersAn IRA Young Adults' Choices BookA winner of the 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 reviewPraise for The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. FiggA Newbery Honor BookA Kentucky Bluegrass Award NomineeAn Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award WinnerA New York Public Library's Children's Books 2009: 100 Titles for Reading and SharingA 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 reviewPraise for The Young Man and the SeaA Capitol ChoiceA Cooperative Children's Book Center ChoiceA School Library Journal Best Book and starred review"Readers will be hooked."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick has written more than a dozen novels for young readers. In 1993, he published his first children's book, Freak the Mighty, which became an instant classic, and was made into a feature film. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book. Philbrick's other acclaimed novels include Max the Mighty, The Young Man and the Sea, The Last Book in the Universe, Zane and the Hurricane, and Wildfire. Philbrick divides his time between Maine and the Florida Keys. You can learn more about him on his website: rodmanphilbrick.com.