About the Book

A coming-of-age middle grade novel about three best friends born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina who must confront storms of their own 12 years later, from a National Book Award winning author.

Born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Greer, Joya Mia, and Kiki are seventh graders and the best of friends. After an accident leaves Greer's little sister paralyzed, Greer is forever changed by the experience and blames herself. Kiki and Joya Mia will do anything to help Greer let go of this emotional burden, and a plan is hatched to compete in a triathlon. Each girl will participate: Kiki will swim, Joya Mia will cycle, and Greer, if they can persuade her, will run—something she once loved to do.

Set on the Westbank of New Orleans, this contemporary coming-of-age novel is a journey of growth, healing, and difficult transitions as the girls navigate their many life challenges: family trauma, body insecurity, and the conflict between ambition and responsibility. It's a powerful and enlightening exploration of how to surmount personal tragedy through friendship and forgiveness.

Review

This was one of the books that the narrator made the experience worth listening to. You got to know the girls, their journey and families. Each represented different households, lifestyles and experiences. This story is special because these girls were born in the midst of one of the country's most debilitating natural disasters.The strength and determination especially coming out of that tragedy is inspiring.

Watching them navigate through that transitional period in life, their early teenage years, facing challenges and insecurities, learning how to be responsible and find their voice was an interesting story to follow along to.

Overall, it was a wonderful book to listen to and the narration was an enjoyable experience. I’m not sure whether this will be a singular book but the characters would make an interesting series to follow. It would be fun to see their experiences in high school and beyond.

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