Saint Louis Armstrong Beach

by Brenda Woods

The gripping story of a boy, a dog and a hurricaneSaint is a boy with confidence as big as his name is long. A budding musician, he earns money playing clarinet for the New Orleans tourists. His best friend is a stray dog named Shadow, and it's because of Shadow that Saint's still in town when Hurricane Katrina hits. Saint's not worried about the hurricane at first--he plans to live to be a hundred just to defy his palm-reader friend Jupi, who told him he had a short life line. But now the city has been ordered to evacuate and Saint won't leave without Shadow. His search brings him to his elderly neighbor's home and the three of them flee to her attic when the waters rise. But when Miz Moran's medication runs out, it's up to Saint to save her life--and his beloved Shadow's.

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Music, Childrens, Family

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Brenda Woods was born in Ohio, grew up in Southern California, and attended California State University, Northridge. Her award-winning books for young readers include The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond (a CCBC choice and a Kirkus Reviews Best Book); the Coretta Scott King Honor winner The Red Rose Box; the ALAN Pick Saint Louis Armstrong Beach; and VOYA Top Shelf Fiction selection Emako Blue. Woods’s numerous awards and honors include the Judy Lopez Memorial Book Award, the FOCAL International Award, and the ILA Children’s Choice Young Adult Fiction Award. She lives in the Los Angeles area.

Reviews

[Johnny G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the school book fair and glad that I did. It is historical fiction, but recent history - the story of an ambitious twelve-year old who experiences the before, during, and after of Hurricane Katrina. No more info....read it!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Great summer read! I would recommend for ages 9-13. I read it outloud to my 6 year old and he enjoyed the story and was able to follow along. It is a quick read, 2-3 days for my older children. A child's perspective of Hurricane Katrina and how the hurricane forever changed New Orleans and the people who live and play music in that interesting and unique city.

[Virginia DeBusk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about surviving Hurricane Katrina. As a mother and someone who knew Katrina's utter devastation in New Orleans, this story made my pulse race and I was very worried about Saint, his family, and the other residents of Treme. It's a story of love, perseverance, and helping others.

[Annamaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

liked this so much more than Ninth Ward another Katrina book.

[Emma Marino]

Abandoned

[Challice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute middle-grade read about a young clarinetist name Saint, and his dog Shadow. Saint Louis Armstrong has one goal-- to make $2000 to buy his next clarinet and attend Julliard Music College. Then hurricane Katrina hits. This sweet but shorter novel is funny, whimsical, and a brilliantly written novel to tell about New Orleans culture and all that happened in the wake of Katrina.

There is a word in here used when describing a donkey-dog... if you get my drift. The uncle uses it, then Saint repeats, and then he is reprimanded for talking like that.

Saint's friend, MonaLisa, is caught having a party while mom and dad are gone. Saint walks in and sees the booze and MonaLisa treats him badly in her embarrassment of being caught.

I really enjoyed this book because I played the clarinet and loved the little musical reminiscences that was scattered throughout this book. Saint's parents are down to earth and wonderful. My husband chuckled when he randomly picked it up to read in a bored moment at the park. I love having a more current time period book to share with my kids when we hit this point in our history.

[Mikayla Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brenda Woods has written a short, beautiful novel about a youngster named Saint and his dog Shadow before and during Hurricane Katrina. The writing was descriptive and helped readers envision the settings, but it lacked some of the feelings discussed. Many characters are presented, but only Saint and Shadow are fully developed and examined in depth. I admired Saint's love of music, his ambition to attend Julliard, and his devotion to his family. I believe the book provides valuable information on the love one has for their loved ones, how friendships fade, exhibiting kindness and strength despite being terrified, and storm excavation plans. The only negative aspect is that I wish the book had shown more of what happened during and after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. I believe that reading about Saint's life after Hurricane Katrina, such as if he still lives in New Orleans or if he and Monalisa reconnected, would have benefited the overall tale and character development in the novel.

[Brian Umbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach -- named after his granddad and the famous musician -- is an 11 year old budding musician, about to face the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina by trying to protect his favorite pet (a neighborhood dog named Shadow) and keep his family together. Unfortunately, things don't go as expected and he has to improvise. It's a likeable blend of characters and story.

As it's a YA book, character development is not the focus. Ms. Woods did just enough to show the characters' motivations, which helps the reader understand the decisions made. What was your motivation when you were 11...girls? Family? The clarinet? What if all of those can be taken from you during a natural disaster? Saint tries to rise above the storm by doing what he knows how to do -- play the clarinet, keep your eyes on the goal line and trust your instincts.

[Jennifer Bacall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had all of the potential and none of the delivery necessary to make a heavy impact on the reader of the real terror and fear that kids experienced during Hurricane Katrina. It does a decent job at painting the mood and setting of New Orleans but doesn't show real emotional connections between the characters.

It has some clever touches, including the main character's dream name, Valentine Xavier Beach and his musician friend Smokey DeLeon. It was also endearing when Saint would incorporate words that he learned from his neighbor into his regular vocabulary.

The ending of the book is abrupt and anti-climactic. Zane and the Hurricane tells a similar story for the same age and does so with more aplomb.

[Joo Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach is enjoying his young musical career by playing tunes to tourists; however, when Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, he is met with an unforeseen challenge of rescuing his dog, Shadow. Personally, I was excited to read this book because I was interested in Hurricane Katrina, one of the most destructive and deadly tropical cyclone in American history. Although the book was straightforward to read, it did an exceptional job of illustrating the fears and devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. For example, it "provides a vivid description of what life was like in pre-Katrina New Orleans, and how quickly peoples' lives were shattered." Therefore, I recommend this book to students who would like to know more about Hurricane Katrina and its impact on society.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about the time of Hurricane Katrina. Saint is a 12 year old boy living in a section of New Orleans. He is a dog lover, clarinet Jazz player and a very good neighbor of the Treme' district.
I visited New Orleans almost 3 years ago and it was fun to read about the old sections like the french quarter and the people who lived in the area who didn't evacuate for several reasons. Brenda Woods gives an historical fictional account how a neighborhood of people survived the hurricane even though their homes were destroyed.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to my 10-year-old son. He wasn't very excited about it, but Woods created a story and crafted characters that pulled him right in. He begged me to keep reading so that we might finish the book. He knows very little about the impact of Hurricane Katrina (we live in the upper Midwest), so I was hoping for a bit more in the book's resolution or in an author's note. I think my ten-year-old would have benefitted from more aftermath information. Overall, however, a highly recommended read and one that will hopefully inspire my son to learn more about this life-altering event.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does a great job of giving you a feel for New Orleans and the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. What I found super frustrating is how neatly the book ends**** SPOILER************************************


Saint separates from his family to go find his dog. A neighbor takes him in, he is rescued after the hurricane and brought to safety only to leave again. A fellow musician takes him in and then the dog leads his family to find him. It was just too much of a perfect ending.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the Katrina books, I have to say this one is one of my favorites. I love Saint's personality, I love his caring family and his neighborhood and his love of music and the dog. It shares many of the characteristics of other Katrina books -- there's a beloved dog, the kid runs away from his family to save the dog, ends up helping an elderly neighbor, several narrow escapes. What you will not find in here is a tie-in to a conversation about racism, but you will find a solid and engaging story.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy, a dog, and New Orleans' most famous hurricane
Saint is a boy with confidence as big as his name is long. A budding musician, he earns money playing clarinet for the New Orleans tourists, and his best friend is a stray dog named Shadow. At first Saint is sure that Hurricane Katrina will be just like the last one--no big deal. But then the city is ordered to evacuate and Saint refuses to leave without Shadow. Saint and Shadow flee to his neighbor's attic--and soon enough it's up to Saint to save them all.

Sometimes I am amazed at how well author's describe past historic events and weave them into stories for children that make it real but not overwhelming and suspenseful but not scary. This one felt like a true life telling and the kids are really enjoying it, even asking for other books by this author (which is something they don't usually do.)

[Madison Agli · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really like this because its about hurricane katrina and how it affected the city of new orleans. when I was reading it was like it was happening in really life because it was so realistic. In the beginning it didn't get straight to the hurricane it had some suspence

[Lizzann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This YA novel follows the story of an 11 year old "busker" and his family in Treme in the days leading up to and following Hurricane Katrina. As a retired teacher, I enjoy going back to YA novels to see the world through younger eyes.

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story is amazing I love the characters and I also love how it takes place in the real-life event. I recommend you read this book. It felt like I was there sitting next to Saint Lewis Armstrong. overall, I give this book is outstanding I give Five out of Five stars.

[Diane Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always looking for survival fiction/historical fiction for my 5th graders- curious how they would rate this book-
Thought the book was a little “slow” in getting to hurricane Katrina survival- portion.

[Cheryl Swift · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when I visit my grandson & he asks me to read a book he has read! This was a fun read, based on the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina. The title character was a young boy who was incredible & would be inspirational to young readers!

[Alyssa Gokey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging middle-grade novel about Hurricane Katrina, told through the eyes of 12 year old Saint. I would have loved this book to continue on, with more from the catastrophic storm and heartbreaking aftermath.

[Christine Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about a disaster that is palatable for students from grade 3 and up. Focuses on Saint and his aspirations. As well as his close connection to Shadow, the dog he loves.

[Jadah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok something that was interesting but needed more detail.

[Elizabeth Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book which I couldn’t put down. Using this in year 6 next week.

[Rosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Loved the story line and the details the author added.

[Flyingzebras · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent read from a kid's point of view about Hurricane Katrina.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be so slow paced until the conflict. It felt like there was not even one since it really only took place for 30 some pages.

[Zoe Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

read for work. book about hurricane katrina and a boy who loves his dog and plays the clarinet. I liked it

[Donna Siebold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach is a young boy living in New Orleans. Until very recently he was best friends with his neighbor Money (Mona Lisa). Now she thinks she has outgrown him. He loves music and plays clarinet for the tourists. He wants to earn enough money to purchase a LeBlanc L1020 to replace his current instrument. He is good friends with an elderly gentleman named Smokey who is also a musician.

When news of Hurrican Katrina comes to New Orleans Saint Louis and his family are not initially worried. However, as predictions worsen the family makes plans to leave New Orleans and seek safety with relatives. There are two major problems with this plan. Saint Louis will not leave without Shadow - a dog who runs free in the neighborhood, but generally sticks close to Saint and his mother. Saint's mother works in a hospital as a social worker. Even when mandatory evacuations are announced she doesn't want to leave until she is assured all of her patients are safe.

The family tries to send Saint out of town with his uncle and his family. But, Saint won't leave without Shadow and runs off. He ends up at his neighbors house and is stranded by the storm. Shadow comes to the house and the three of them try to ride out the storm together. Unfortunately, his neighbor, Miz Moran is a diabetic who forgot to bring her medicine into the attic with them. Saint manages to retreive the medicine, but then their food begins to run out. Miz Moran had planned well for her self, but had barely enough for two - never mind a dog as well.

Saint had called his parents after running away to say he was okay, but they did not know where he was and were frantically looking for him. Saint, Shadow and Miz Moran are rescued by a helicopter. It drops them off near the SuperDome. Saint won't go there because he had a dream in which his grandfather and Louis Armstrong cautioned him not to go near it. He finds shelter in a restaurant called the Jazz Shack. Shadow runs off, once again upsetting Saint, but he returns leading Saint's parents to the Shack.

The book is written for children about Saint's age - technically 11, but almost 12. It demonstrates family love and respect very nicely. It does a good job of showing consequences for poor decisions - thorough the character of Mona Lisa. I was not entirely satisfied with how Saint's poor decision to run off and look for Shadow was handled. Certainly his parents would have been desperately relieved to find him and of course, they would be grateful for Shadow leading them to Saint, but I felt too little was said to Saint about the actual running away.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saint loves playing the clarinet. He plays it for tourists in New Orleans to earn money for a new clarinet and for his future at Julliard. Life isn’t all easy though, he has taken to a stray dog that his father will not allow him to adopt and his best friend has outgrown him, now spending her time partying with the cooler, older kids. As Hurricane Katrina approaches, Saint and his family are not that concerned since it is expected to miss New Orleans, as the days progress, the tension builds and the warnings increase. Though Saint’s family tries to send him to safety, things don’t go as planned and Saint is trapped by the weather and the flood waters.

Woods has written a book that captures the power of music in a young man’s life nicely, bridging the days before the storm, the time during the storm, and the time afterwards together with song. The bulk of this book is the period before the storm hits, showing the loving family that Saint comes from, his close-knit neighborhood, friends, crushes, and his love of a dog. While I know that this had a large part in establishing reader relationships with Saint, it is lengthy and could have been made more focused. In particular, his friendship with Money is talked about at length, but the book never returns to her after the storm.

The period during the storm is dramatic, with Woods leaving the drama of the storm to stand on its own. More time could have been spent here with the reader, truly exploring the emotions and complexity of survival. The same is true of the time after the storm, where only a few chapters are left for the aftermath. My hope is that there is a sequel that will let us better understand the effect of the storm on Saint and his family, neighbors and friends.

There were also portions of the book that were too neat and tidy. One such instance was when Shadow, the dog, brings Saint’s parents to him after the storm. It was just too convenient and should have been foreshadowed more clearly to work better.

In the end, I have mixed feelings about this book. A sequel may very well fix a lot of the dangling story lines, which would go a long way. Saint is a strong male character and this is a book that children will find shows a close-up perspective on the storm. Appropriate for ages 9-12.