St. Louis Armstrong Beach wishes his name was a little less complicated, but he was named after his great-grandfather and his
great-grandfather’s favorite musician. Saint is hoping to save up enough money
to buy a special clarinet. Luckily, he's able to play his
clarinet for the tourists and make money to save towards his goal. He gets
closer every day. Things are confusing now that his best friend, Money,
doesn't want to talk to him, and he had his palm read, which revealed that he
has a short lifeline. Now he's worried about his future! When Saint’s family
finds out Hurricane Katrina could hit their area, he's upset that they may
have to leave town and go to his grandma's house. He knows the storm won’t hit,
but decides he'll go as long as they can take Shadow, the neighborhood dog.
What will they do when Shadow gets away? Will the hurricane really hit Saint’s
house? Will he ever earn enough money to get that clarinet? You have to read
this book to find out what happens to Saint and the rest of New Orleans.
St. Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods is a book that I read in one sitting.
I could relate to the main character and how he felt about his best friend not
wanting to hang out with him anymore. I loved that Saint really went after his
dreams. Anyone who can save up close to $1000 for an instrument they want to practice
shows a lot of determination, and I'd love to hear him play! Not
only did I enjoy the story, but I felt the tension in the events surrounding Hurricane
Katrina. My heart broke thinking about all the people whose lives changed
during that time. There was a major
storm taking place right outside my window while I read, and it definitely made the
connections I felt even stronger! I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade
and up, as there are some middle school topics. I look forward to reading more
books by this author.
Has anyone
else read St. Louis Armstrong Beach?
Or have you read another book by Brenda Woods? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!
~L
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Sounds like a great contemporary read. I hadn't heard of it. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteNatalie- It was great and a fast read. :) ~L
DeleteInterestingly, I probably would have skipped this one because of the title. Too confusing! Is it about a beach? St. Louis? No, it's about a person named that.
ReplyDeleteStephanie- I was confused by the title at first too! But once I started reading it all made sense. :) ~L
DeleteWow, that is one heck of a name. Unlike Stephanie I'd de intrigued enough by the title to pick this one up. Sounds like a wonderfully topical read, I'm sure a box of tissues would be required.
ReplyDeleteTracy- The title definitely catches the reader's attention! I like that this book seemed realistic and I experienced many emotions! :) ~L
DeleteSounds like a book I'd enjoy, since I'm a musician and can relate to having to save money to purchase an instrument I really wanted.
ReplyDeleteSherry- You would definitely connect to Saint's character! :) ~L
DeleteThaks for telling me about this. I'll keep my eye open for this one. Sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteRosi- I think this is one you will really enjoy! :) ~L
DeleteNo I haven't read it, but it sounds like a great story about that storm in such recent history.
ReplyDeleteLee- It is a great story and I like that it was about an event that took place in the recent past. :) ~L
DeleteHaven't read this one yet, but it sounds awesome - love the MC's name! :)
ReplyDeleteJemi- His name is definitely unique! :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds good. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteSue- I very much enjoyed it! :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds well done, and something we all go through. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kimba! So glad you enjoyed the review. I really liked the story! :) ~L
DeleteSounds like an emotional book. Saving for an instrument means real dedication to the craft.
ReplyDeleteLady Lilith- It definitely shows a lot of dedication! :) ~L
DeleteThat definitely sounds like one determined young man, being able to save that much for an instrument! Sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeleteMeradeth- It is a terrific read! It isn't easy to save over $1000 for anything! Nice to see such determination. :) ~L
DeleteHeidi- So true! Also great to see a character that works really hard towards his goal to pursue his dream. :) ~L
ReplyDelete