Author: Myron Uhlberg
Illustrator: Colin Bootman
Expected Publication Date:
1st Aug 2011
1st Aug 2011
Pages: 40
Book Source: ARC Peachtree Publishers & NetGalley
Synopsis: Ten-year-old Louis Daniel hates it when Mama treats him like a baby. But when Hurricane Katrina blows through the Gulf Coast on a fateful August night, followed by broken levees and rising floodwaters threatening New Orleans, Louis feels like a little kid again. With no time to gather their belongings save Louis s beloved horn Daddy leads the family from their home and into an unfamiliar, watery world of floating debris, lurking critters, a winsome black-and-white dog, and desperate neighbors heading for dry ground. Taking shelter in the already-crowded Superdome, Louis and his parents wait and wait. As the days pass, the electricity goes out, the air conditioning dies, the bathrooms are closed, and people around them begin to bicker as they run out of food and water. When Daddy fails to return from a scouting mission within the Dome, Louis knows he s no longer a baby. It s up to him to find Daddy, with the help of his prized cornet.
Synopsis: Ten-year-old Louis Daniel hates it when Mama treats him like a baby. But when Hurricane Katrina blows through the Gulf Coast on a fateful August night, followed by broken levees and rising floodwaters threatening New Orleans, Louis feels like a little kid again. With no time to gather their belongings save Louis s beloved horn Daddy leads the family from their home and into an unfamiliar, watery world of floating debris, lurking critters, a winsome black-and-white dog, and desperate neighbors heading for dry ground. Taking shelter in the already-crowded Superdome, Louis and his parents wait and wait. As the days pass, the electricity goes out, the air conditioning dies, the bathrooms are closed, and people around them begin to bicker as they run out of food and water. When Daddy fails to return from a scouting mission within the Dome, Louis knows he s no longer a baby. It s up to him to find Daddy, with the help of his prized cornet.
Review:
Narrated by 10 year old Louis Daniel, this fictional story is based on the true events of Hurricane Katrina. Simply told, poignant and beautifully illustrated, A Storm Called Katrina is the ideal way to explain the devastation to young readers without terrifying or overwhelming them with graphic detail.
Louis and his family flee their home in New Orleans as the water rises, making their way to the safety of the Superdome; where Louis's much loved horn features prominently in the story.
With increased media exposure to world events, tragedies and disasters, books like A Storm Called Katrina are a gentle way of exposing our youngsters to the frightening realities occurring around us. I know many children in Australia watching vision of the heartbreaking floods earlier this year had questions, fears and concerns. I'm sure a fictionalised account aimed specifically at their age and level of understanding would be of benefit or at least open the door to further discussion.
The book also includes a resource list for information on Hurricane Katrina; books, websites, dvds and more.
With increased media exposure to world events, tragedies and disasters, books like A Storm Called Katrina are a gentle way of exposing our youngsters to the frightening realities occurring around us. I know many children in Australia watching vision of the heartbreaking floods earlier this year had questions, fears and concerns. I'm sure a fictionalised account aimed specifically at their age and level of understanding would be of benefit or at least open the door to further discussion.
The book also includes a resource list for information on Hurricane Katrina; books, websites, dvds and more.
I have wanted to read this book since it came out and never seem to get around to it. It is one of those books that should be read.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't knew there was a story about what happened. This sounds like a really good read. thanks for sharing & reviewing it.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great book for younger readers and school libraries. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteLooks and sounds like a great way to introduce this event to younger kids!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this review. I will be getting this one for my son.
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