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pinkrain718's review against another edition
3.0
This book will serve as an introduction to my students on how Katrina impacted those living in New Orleans. While I understand this book is meant for younger kids it did seem to gloss over some major events and issues that occurred. Uhlberg did a great job showing how the storm impacted those living in New Orleans but by the end of the book all seemed to be resolved. I will use the book as a teachable moment with my students on how we teach hard history to children and I'm hopeful it will lead to a great discussion.
annieliz's review against another edition
4.0
This book does a good job of walking that line between being realistic and too scary for the youngest readers. This book tells the story of this devestating event, while also leaving some things unsaid. I was quite surprised by the reference to a "pile of clothes" in the water, but younger children will probably not understand, and older children will probably need some guidance to get what the pile of clothes represents. I think sometimes it can be easy to confuse picture books about natural disasters as trite because of the level at which they are written, but when you keep the intended audience in mind, it is suitable.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
4.0
A fictionalized account of one families experience during Hurricane Katrina.
tashrow's review
4.0
This is the heartfelt fictional story of Louis, a 10-year-old boy living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits. When the storm hits, no one is really worried, until it worsens. Then there is no time for the family to gather any belongings except Louis’ horn. When they leave their home, they find a piece of porch floating and Louis and his mother climb aboard. His father pushes the porch with them safely on top. On the way, they saw disturbing things: a dog they are unable to rescue and a body floating by. When they finally got out of the deeper water, they headed for the Superdome with the rest of the crowd. His father went in search of food and water, leaving Louis and his mother in the seats. But when some people got rowdy, they moved to a safer part of the Superdome. The question becomes how will they ever find Louis’ father again?
Beautifully written and illustrated, this book bring images from the flood to life. Uhlberg manages to write in an unflinching and honest way, while still keeping his young audience clearly in mind. There are difficult issues here, but they are presented in a way that can be glossed past or more deeply explored. Uhlberg also manages to build moods very skillfully from the storm itself to the days of waiting in the Superdome, there is a constant sense of hope.
Bootman’s artwork is exceptional. He evokes fear, concern, but above all love and hope in his images. The paintings play light against dark throughout, until the climax of the theme at the end of the book.
A personal and powerful look at the impact of Hurricane Katrina, this book would work well in a classroom setting and for any child wanting to learn more about the hurricane. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
Beautifully written and illustrated, this book bring images from the flood to life. Uhlberg manages to write in an unflinching and honest way, while still keeping his young audience clearly in mind. There are difficult issues here, but they are presented in a way that can be glossed past or more deeply explored. Uhlberg also manages to build moods very skillfully from the storm itself to the days of waiting in the Superdome, there is a constant sense of hope.
Bootman’s artwork is exceptional. He evokes fear, concern, but above all love and hope in his images. The paintings play light against dark throughout, until the climax of the theme at the end of the book.
A personal and powerful look at the impact of Hurricane Katrina, this book would work well in a classroom setting and for any child wanting to learn more about the hurricane. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
jen87's review
4.0
A moving story about Katrina as experienced by a ten year old boy. Beautifully illustrated and handled the topic very well. A great book for the younger set.
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