Hurricane Katrina, 2005

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 book's real power comes from its exploration of what it means to be a hero.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2010 Booklist

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. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 : All Barry could see as he clung to the tree was water. The water had washed away his whole neighborhood. He tried hard not to imagine what had happened to his mom and dad and little sister, Cleo. What if they'd all fallen into the water too? What if... Barry was shaking now. Then he heard a new sound, a cracking and groaning. He stared in shock at what was floating in the water. A house. Moving slowly, turning. Its blown-out windows seemed to stare at Barry. The splintered wood looked like teeth in a wide-open mouth. And it was coming right at him. Excerpted from I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 by Lauren Tarshis All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.