Willis Holt, Kimberly. The Hurricane Girls. Christa Ottaviano Books, 2023.    978-0-316-32609-4, 288 p. $16.99. Grades 3-7.

The Hurricane Girls is a story about 3 girls, Greer, Joya Mia, and Kiki. All three girls were born the same year that Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. They were the best of friends in 6th grade, but their friendship has had some bumps in the road. Kiki sees a flyer for a Junior Team Relay Triathlon. She starts planning for Greer and Joya Mia to join her in the relay. This story shows each of them overcoming a life challenge to themselves but also working together to work as a team to accomplish something that they didn’t think was possible.

THOUGHTS: This book would be a great addition to any elementary/middle school library. It sends a powerful message about friendship and overcoming obstacles in everyday life. I will be ordering this book for my library in the future.

Realistic Fiction