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Gr 9 Up—Against a vivid 1950s New Orleans backdrop, 17-year-old Josie Moraine is caught between the harsh reality of her negligent, prostitute mother's lifestyle and her desire to escape to a new life. Josie is smart, resourceful, and determined. Her support group includes Willie, the shrewd brothel madam who recognizes Josie's potential; Cokie, Willie's kind and devoted driver; Patrick, who runs the bookshop where Josie works; Charlotte, an upscale acquaintance who encourages Josie to join her at Smith College; ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

In the late 1950s, life in the Big Easy was anything but easy. And that goes especially for young Josie Moraine, seventeen-year-old daughter of a narcissistic prostitute. Josie lives alone and works in a bookstore; searches for the father she never knew; and hopes to be able to leave New Orleans and make it on her own. Trying to pull yourself up by your bootstraps sounds like the American dream, but for ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

A fast-paced story with many intertwined plot threads and continually raised stakes. The convincing portrait of New Orleans makes it easy to picture Josie, an innocent teenager caught up in smut and scandal, navigating the city’s streets. Strong writing and Josie’s c...Log In or Sign Up to Read More