"In New Orleans, history is inescapable," writes author Fatima Shaik in the foreword. Indeed, this book centered around artifacts of the city evokes powerful messages and connections to the past. Writers speak to the unmistakable New Orleans accent, the beauty of jazz, Mardi Gras, folktales, and beignets.

— Simon Traub-Epstein, International Library of Young Authors

From the publisher: “It's a New Orleans Thing is a collection of creative nonfiction pieces written by 11th graders at Living School. The clothing we wear, the places we visit, the objects in our homes, the traditions in our family and community: these all shape who we are and who we will become. Each young author wrote about artifacts of New Orleans history and culture that matter to them. Their words are powerful, evocative, and necessary.”