Hurricane Song - Hardcover

Paul Volponi is the author of the critically acclaimed young adult novel Black & White. From 1992 to 1998, he taught adolescents on Rikers Island in New York City to read and write. Mr. Volponi worked at a day treatment center like Daytop teaching students and helping them prepare for the GED. Mr. Volponi lives in New York City.

God slaps the New Orleans Superdome like a drum as he sings a hurricane song called Katrina in this riveting young adult novel. Between the authenticity of the writing and narrator Jacob Norman's laid-back, youthful delivery, listeners will be convinced they're eavesdropping on the characters in this novel. Miles, a high school sophomore, and his pop and uncle are forced to ride out the disastrous 2005 storm in the city's shelter of last resort. The violence, the filth, and the shortages of food, water, and medical care all unfold in a way that will convince listeners that Volponi was really there. Couple the writing with Norman's authentic-sounding teen voice, and everything about this gripping descent into hurricane hell feels real. Norman sings verses from "When the Saints Go Marching In" between chapters. Luckily, his narrator's voice rings with an authenticity and passion that his singing voice lacks. M.M.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine