Tarshis (I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912, 2010, etc.) again transforms a historical event into a fast-paced adventure story appropriate for lower elementary students. This tale begins on that fateful day, Monday, August 29, 2005. Eleven-year old Bobby Tucker is hanging on to an oak tree trying to survive the floodwaters in the Lower Ninth Ward. After the dramatic opening scene, readers are taken back one day in time, to August 28. Life in the Lower Ninth is humming along as usual that day—Bobby and his friend Jay excitedly planning to send in an entry to a nationwide Create a Superhero contest—until evacuation orders convince Bobby's family to head of town. Unfortunately, Bobby's little sister gets so ill that the family has to return home and try to ride out the storm. The author's research and respect for the survivors of Katrina make this a realistic and gripping account that steers clear of sensationalism and sentimentality. Following the main text are "After the Storm: Questions about Katrina" and "Facts about Hurricane Katrina," both ideal for setting young readers who have been enthralled by Bobby's story on a path to discovering more about the true story of Katrina and its aftermath. (Historical fiction. 7-10)
October has arrived, ushering in the Fall season. Say hello to sweater weather, candy corn, pumpkin everything, and falling leaves. It’s the perfect season to gather together and talk about everything from fantasy to history, weather to wild animals. There is something for everyone on this list of five great family book club picks for […]
The New York Times bestselling series, I Survived, brings young readers from the year AD 79 to the present day, racing through thrilling adventures based on real-life events. Author Lauren Tarshis carefully takes us through natural disasters, wars, and cataclysmic world events, weaving history with a personal, intimate story of survival by amazing kids.