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by de'Ante Webster (Author), Marshall Laurie (Illustrator)
A young boy named Jayden tells the story of his best friend, Jessica Park who lived in New Orleans. She was kind to everyone, helping children find lost toys and elders with their groceries. She and Jayden loved to play soccer together. In 2005, a terrible flood happened in New Orleans, caused by Hurricane Katrina. Jessica was among those who died in the flood. People grew scared and angry as the days passed by without help. Jayden witnessed chaos, harm and pushing. Violence hung in the air and a war broke out. He missed his best friend, longing for her wisdom and kindness. His grief turned into a flood of tears. A magic rose sprang from the earth, gladdening his heart. But it faded away, because there was not enough kindness in New Orleans to sustain its delicate beauty. When the waters receded, Jayden saw workers removing the debris of the flood just as they found Jessica's locket, which her mother had given her. Inside the necklace, it said, "Always be kind." He told the workers that the locket belonged to his best friend, who died in the flood. They all began to cry. Their tears fell to the earth and the magic rose sprang up once again. It was so bright that it filled all of New Orleans with its light. First, the kindness began as a trickle, with people sharing water and smiling at each other. Then people began to work together to rebuild New Orleans, putting up new walls for damaged houses, moring dirt, carrying concrete, giving clothes to those who had lost them, helping elders, offering to do whatever needed to be done. Then more homes were repaired, gardens were planted, and fences were painted. Soldiers carried babies. People said, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you." There was hugging. The trickle turned into a flood, a flood of kindness. Jayden is happy to see his family and friends sharing a "Be Kind" cake and playing soccer once again. Musicians play guitar, flute, drums and trumpet to add to the celebration. Remembering his best friend, Jayden is still inspired by Jessica's kindness. She is looking down on them all. On the last page, we see Jessica's smiling face with Jayden's words - "Jessica Park was really kind. Maybe we can be like her."
De'Ante Webster wrote this story in their grade for an historical fiction assignment. He worked for six years with the editor and illustrator, Laurie Marshall, a long-time family friend. Their goal in publishing "The Flood of Kindness" is to inspire other young writers and to honor those who lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina. They also hope to strengthen young people who may experience massive storms in the future.
