I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005

February 1, 2011
Grades 3-6 This novel in the I Survived series follows 11-year-old Barry Tucker, who resides with his family in New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward in 2005. Though the Tuckers attempt to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina strikes, they end up trapped in their home as the storm approaches. Although the events depicted here could be scary for younger children, Tarshis offers a hopeful resolution, and a frank epilogue gives additional facts about the disaster. Expressive illustrations capture the drama of the storm and its aftermath, but the books real power comes from its exploration of what it means to be a hero.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2011
The book begins on a terrible Monday in August, 2005, with eleven-year-old Barry Tucker clinging to a tree as Hurricane Katrina ravages New Orleans. The text then backs up to tell of Barry's family's attempt to escape the city and how everyone weathered the storm. Accessible writing and fast pacing will appeal to reluctant readers. Shadowy black-and-white illustrations enhance the story.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)