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Description
A budding musician named Saint, who earns money playing clarinet for the New Orleans tourists, refuses to leave the city after Hurricane Katrina until he can find his best friend Shadow.
Quick Summary
Set in the steamy streets of New Orleans right after Hurricane Katrina, Saint Louis Armstrong Beach follows a quick-witted 12-year-old clarinet prodigy named Saint who makes his living serenading tourists. When the storm forces everyone to evacuate, Saint refuses to leave his beloved city until he tracks down his loyal dog Shadow, and along the way he discovers the power of music, community, and his own courage. The story balances moments of genuine tension during the storm with light-hearted scenes of Saint's quirky gigs and the colorful personalities he meets, making it both a little scary and funny. It's a great pick for kids who love music, for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and heart, and especially for readers who liked the blend of historical setting and kid-heroics found in books like The Great Fire. Parents will appreciate that the novel deals with loss and resilience in a hopeful way, while still keeping the tone age-appropriate and full of the kind of stubborn optimism that makes Saint unforgettable.