Marvelous Cornelius


Marvelous Cornelius:  Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans is a semi-biographical picture book written by Phil Bildner, illustrated by John Parra, and published August 4, 2015 by Chronicle Books. The book, which is based on a true story, follows Cornelius after he cleans up New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Reception

Marvelous Cornelius was met with praise, applauding the message of the impact of individuals' efforts. While some reviews discussed how the book served as a "stirring story of resilience in the face of adversity" or a "fine tribute to an unsung African-American hero," others noted that the book "mphasize the vibrant life before Hurricane Katrina and makes the impact of the terrible flood."
Marvelous Cornelius received a starred review from Shelf Awareness, as well as positive reviews from Kirkus, ''School Library Journal, Booklist, USA Today.
Beyond popular media, Marvelous Cornelius'' has also been discussed in academic circles to review the stories told to children about working-class Americans and tragedy.
YearAccoladeResultRef.
N/AJunior Library GuildSelection
2015Cybils Award for Fiction Picture BooksNominee
2015Parents' Choice Book Awards for Picture BooksGold
2016Golden Kite Award for Picture Book IllustrationWinner
2016Bank Street College of Education Best Books of 2016Selection
2016Children's Book Council's Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, K–2Selection
2016Margaret Wise Brown Prize in Children's LiteratureWinner
2016International Literacy Association, Teacher's Choices Reading ListSelection
2017–2018Georgia Picture Book Award Nominee
2018Association of Indiana School Library Educators' Read Alouds Too-Good-To-MissSelection
2018Louisiana Young Readers Choice Award, Grades 3–5Nominee