Publishes October 22, 2024
Hurricane Katrina has just beaten its way through New Orleans, leaving it under water and abandoned. Two weeks later, Vernon Poche and his father return to the city, but his dad says they’re not staying. Vernon can’t imagine living anywhere else. His mom would never let them leave—if she were still alive.
Angry and upset, Vernon rides his bike through the empty streets to visit her grave. It’s the first stop on a journey that connects him to a mysterious dog named Tonti and a girl named Alisha who’s been separated from her mom. Together, they meet a gaggle of ghosts— musicians and maskers, soldiers and singers, nuns and Native Americans, pirates, painters, and presidents. The ghosts lead them deep into the city’s past to discover the rich gumbo that makes New Orleans and, hopefully, a way back home for good.
ADVANCED REVIEWS:
“Courage and adventure abound…You will love journeying with Vernon and Alisha as they search for treasure, discover the city’s rich history, and find the meaning of home.” —Dete Meserve, bestselling author of Good Sam
“The people we meet and the places we go leave traces upon our lives. Vernon Poche discovers these traces—and their joys and sorrows, curiosities and wonders—in this richly told story that will leave its own trace upon you.” —Gregg Behr, Co-Author of When You Wonder, You’re Learning
“A joyous love letter to New Orleans written by one of its own. Siefken’s passion and knowledge shine through on every page.” —Mark Mallouk, Satellite Award nominee, best adapted screenplay
Author Spotlight
About Paul Siefken
Paul Siefken was raised in New Orleans, down the street from Bayou Saint John, where he and his siblings spent time fishing, crabbing, and riding bikes along the levee. As a kid, he watched Saints games in the Superdome, served as an altar boy at Saint Louis Cathedral, and watched Mardi Gras parades from the stands at Gallier Hall downtown.
Paul was living in Washington, D.C. when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. His parents, siblings and extended family were among the thousands of people who evacuated, forced to find housing for months after the devastating flood. Now living in Pittsburgh, Paul and his family visit New Orleans regularly to enjoy family time and take in the food, music, and history of the great city.
Paul taught high school English in North Carolina and Georgia before starting a career in children’s television, first at Cartoon Network in Atlanta, then at PBS KIDS in Washington, D.C., and now as president of Fred Rogers Productions in Pittsburgh. He’s written chapter books for Cartoon Network series The Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack and has had several short plays produced in New York. Vernon Poche & The Ghosts of New Orleans is Paul’s first novel.
Find out more about Paul on his website!
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