Saint Louis Armstrong Beach

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