Twelve year old Lanesha's mother died when she was born. Mama Ya-Ya, midwife, healer, able to see the future, has raised her in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans ever since. Lanesha has 'the sight', which means she can see ghosts, including her mother. When Hurricane Katrina begins to form offshore, Mama Ya-Ya declares that this will be a bad storm. Lanesha realizes that this time she needs to take care of Mama Ya-Ya, and she needs to use everything she has been taught. The fury of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath come alive through the eyes of Lanesha.

Awards nominated: 2013 Rebecca Caudill Nominee

Awards won: ALSC Notable Book 2012; School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 6/4/2012

ISBN-10: 0316043087

ISBN-13: 9780316043083

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'No cream puffs. Just throw heat.' says her catcher. Twelve year old Madison Mitchell is the first girl in southern Michigan to play in the summer baseball league. Madison is the team's best pitcher and a very good all-round player. The whole country has picked up her story. However, the popular girls make fun of her and her best friend has deserted her. Her enemy, Billy threatens to bean her. And she has a crush on the totally wrong boy on her team. Follow Madison as she balances the pressures of publicity, helping her team win and being a regular person.

Reviewed by: hap

Date read: 2/20/2010

ISBN-10: 0375837752

ISBN-13: 9780375837753

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This unusual graphic novel tells the tales of women who dared to defy convention and do things that were forbidden for women to do--while disguised as men! The bold, black and white illustrations and distinctive style bring to life these fascinating stories. Read about a female pharoah, a woman who commanded a Viking raiding ship, a soldier, and more. These women showed bravery equal to or more than that of your typical hero. They risked all to be free, to love who they wanted, for power and for adventure, and their legendary tales make for an amazing read.

Similar books: Independent Dames by Laurie Halse Anderson; Women Daredevils by Julie Cummins; The Serpent Slayer: and Other Stories of Strong Women by Katrin Tchana

Reviewed by: lauraf

Date read: 2/1/2013

ISBN-10: 1554531772

ISBN-13: 9781554531776

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This book is for all girls who need heroes. The women portrayed here sometimes fought alongside the men we know from folklore and legends. More often, they fought for good on their own. The stories come from all over the world. Here you will find the story of Atalanta, the Greek huntress who was so fast and such a good huntress, she bested all the men she met. You'll cheer as Li Chi volunteers to be sacrificed to the giant serpent that terrorized the Chinese countryside, so that she can fight and conquer the serpent. From the United States comes the story of clever, pretty Penny, who fools a highwayman who would rob her, turns the tables and takes his horse and all the loot he has already gathered. Women are fast, strong, clever, and kind. They are all found in this book.

Reviewed by: vverscaj

Date read: 8/2/2010

ISBN-10: 0152020470

ISBN-13: 9780152020477

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As she waits to present the ten items that she has chosen for an assignment to represent who she is, seventh-grader Morgan Miller recalls the events that led to her choices.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0439087635

ISBN-13: 9780439087636

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