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Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans by Phil Bildner, John Parra
thechanelmuse's review against another edition
4.0
“Even if it’s called your lot to be a street sweeper, go out and sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Handel and Beethoven composed music, sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry.”
That portion of the opening quote found in this beautifully illustrated book, Marvelous Cornelius, is from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 sermon entitled “The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life.”
Marvelous Cornelius exudes this. It’s a modern-day folktale about real-life veteran French Quarter sanitation worker, Cornelius Washington, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, all while perfectly capturing the warm spirit of New Orleans.
That portion of the opening quote found in this beautifully illustrated book, Marvelous Cornelius, is from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 sermon entitled “The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life.”
“You know, they used to tell us in Hollywood that in order for a movie to be complete, it had to be three-dimensional. Well, this morning I want to seek to get over to each of us that if life itself is to be complete, it must be three-dimensional.” The three parts that King specifies makes up this complete package is self-care, concern for others, and spirituality.
Marvelous Cornelius exudes this. It’s a modern-day folktale about real-life veteran French Quarter sanitation worker, Cornelius Washington, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, all while perfectly capturing the warm spirit of New Orleans.
carolineinthelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book about Cornelius Washington, a local hero who helped New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina. I only took a star off because I wanted more! I think it's so important that the book highlights regular people making a difference, as well as highlighting people whose jobs are generally looked down upon or made an example of as someone you don't want to be. Everyone is important and Cornelius is proof that not only is everyone important to helping a community thrive, but everyone's job keeps us running!
beths0103's review against another edition
5.0
Cornelius is a beautiful tear-inducing modern folk hero.
mallen8509's review against another edition
5.0
Cornelius Washington was a sanitation worker who helped clean up New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Cornelius was known for his bigger than life personality as he cleaned the streets of New Orleans.
When the Mississippi rose and destroyed his hometown, Cornelius knew what had to be done. He led by example and soon members of the community followed.
In Marvelous Cornelius, we learn how one man can make a big difference!
Cornelius was known for his bigger than life personality as he cleaned the streets of New Orleans.
When the Mississippi rose and destroyed his hometown, Cornelius knew what had to be done. He led by example and soon members of the community followed.
In Marvelous Cornelius, we learn how one man can make a big difference!
jesscinco's review against another edition
5.0
This story makes good use of repetition and sound words. It has a good message of pride in your work and community togetherness.
lordofbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
kellyjcm's review against another edition
This shares an aspect of Hurricane Katrina story relatively unknown, and uplifting. I emphasized with Z that Cornelius proved that it is not what your job is that matters, but what you do with that job, your time here, and in your community. Great lessons, and also a gentle way to introduce the devastation wrought by the hurricane.
heisereads's review against another edition
4.0
Inspired by a real man, story tells of a folk hero in New Orleans prior to and during Hurricane Katrina. Emphasis on the spirit of life he brings.
msaplusteacher's review against another edition
5.0
Phil Bildner does it again! This book shares the spirit of New Orleans before and after hurricane Katrina. In this folk tale like story, Bildner tells the tale of real-life trash collector Cornelius and amazing work ethic. Filled with figurative language like alliteration & repetition this book would make an amazing read aloud! Perfect mentor text for figurative language, folk tales, theme & as a tradebook for Social Studies!
A true treasure for any teacher or classroom library!
A true treasure for any teacher or classroom library!
little_silver's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic tall-tale style story about a real sanitation worker in New Orleans at the time of Hurricane Katrina. Lots of teaching possibilities here!