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A review by tashrow
A Storm Called Katrina by Colin Bootman, Myron Uhlberg
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.