The Hurricane Girls

An uplifting portrait of friendship and healing.

Interpersonal conflicts threaten the friendship of three New Orleans seventh graders in this slice-of-life novel by Holt (The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas). Because she went for a run instead of minding her younger sister, Greer believes that the traffic accident that resulted in her sibling needing a wheelchair is her fault. To lift Greer's spirits, best friend Kiki proposes that she, Greer, and their other friend Joya Mia--who dubbed themselves the Hurricane Girls after their collaboration on a school project about Hurricane Katrina--compete in a relay triathlon. But the race's events present problems for the trio: Kiki cannot swim despite attempting to learn in the pool her father had installed before he abandoned their family, Joya Mia shares her rusted old bike with her financially struggling household, and Greer doesn't want to run at all following her sister's accident. Myriad growing pains surrounding school, money, body image, and the future further imperil their bond. Nuanced relationship dynamics paired with complex characterizations drive this grounded look at the ways in which the aftermath of tragedy can reverberate long after the event and how community and connection can pave a path toward healing. Greer and Kiki read as white; Joya Mia is Mexican American. Ages 8-12. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. (Aug.)