Title: I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005
Author: Lauren Tarshis
First published March 1, 2011
112 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780545206969 (ISBN10: 0545206960)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
Experience the heart-pounding tale of a young boy and his dog as they face the devastating Hurricane Katrina. As the storm approaches, Barry’s family prepares to evacuate their New Orleans home, but unforeseen circumstances leave them trapped in the midst of the chaos.
Fighting to stay alive as the floodwaters rise, Barry is separated from his loved ones and forced to brave the storm alone. Can he overcome the odds and survive the most catastrophic hurricane in history?
This gripping fictional account will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Lauren Tarshis spends most of her time thinking about disasters, considering she is the author of the children’s historical fiction series called “I Survived.” Each book takes readers on a thrilling journey through some of history’s most terrifying events, such as the sinking of the Titanic, Hurricane Katrina, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Although writing these books makes her extremely nervous, she has learned ways to avoid being eaten by a shark.
Lauren is also the award-winning author of “Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree” and its sequel, “Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love.” To learn more about Lauren and her work, visit her website and check out the “I Survived” website.
Editoral Review
Lauren Tarshis’ I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale that explores the devastation wrought by one of the deadliest hurricanes in US history. As one of the most popular works in the I Survived series, the book has captivated young readers and adults alike with its vivid storytelling and gripping narrative.
Tarshis is a prolific author of books for young readers, having penned over two dozen books in the I Survived series alone. She is known for her ability to weave together fascinating historical events with relatable characters, a talent on full display in I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005.
The book follows Barry, a ten-year-old boy who lives in New Orleans with his family. When Hurricane Katrina strikes, Barry is forced to flee his home with his family, facing dangerous floods, looters, and the horrors of the Superdome.
Along the way, he befriends other survivors and learns valuable lessons about perseverance, courage, and hope. The novel’s historical significance cannot be overstated, as it serves as an excellent introduction to one of the most significant natural disasters in US history.
Tarshis deftly navigates the tricky terrain of representing real-world events in fiction, imbuing the novel with a sense of urgency and importance. In terms of the writing, Tarshis excels at capturing the voice of a young protagonist, providing empathetic insights into the mind of a child confronted with overwhelming circumstances.
The pacing is brisk and engaging, with plenty of action and tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, the character development can occasionally feel rushed, with some characters feeling underdeveloped or thinly drawn.
Additionally, some readers may find fault with the occasional reliance on coincidences to move the plot forward. Nevertheless, I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 is an excellent addition to the I Survived series and a must-read for young readers who want to learn more about this pivotal event in US history.
Its themes of resilience, community, and hope are timeless and universal, making it a powerful and relevant read. Overall, I would highly recommend I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 to anyone looking for a riveting, action-packed story with a strong historical tie-in.
I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
