I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel
#6 in I Survived Graphix Series
on Goodreads (985)
What’s inside...
The story of a boy, a dog, and the storm of the century is brought vividly to life in this graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005, with text adapted by Georgia Ball.
Barry's family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home in New Orleans. But when his little sister gets terribly sick, they're forced to stay home and wait out the storm.
At first, Katrina doesn't seem to be as bad as predicted. But overnight the levees break, and Barry's world is literally torn apart. He's swept off by the floodwaters, away from his family. Can he survive the storm of the century — alone?
Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series comes to vivid life in graphic novel editions. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep any reader turning the pages. Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.
Why read this book
- Highlights resilience amidst natural disasters.
- Educates on real-life events through engaging graphics.
- Encourages empathy and understanding in young readers.
- Fosters interest in history and disaster preparedness.
Character compass
Barry Tucker
Cleo Tucker
Barry'S Father
Barry'S Mother
Discussion points
How do you think Barry felt during the hurricane, and what would you have done in his situation?
What are some ways that Barry's community came together after the storm? Can you think of examples in our own community where people help each other?
What did you learn about hurricanes and their impact through this story?
How did the characters in the book show bravery and resilience?
If you could ask Barry one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a comfortable and quiet environment for the discussion to help your child open up about their feelings and thoughts on the book.
Show genuine interest in their responses; nodding and maintaining eye contact can encourage them to share more.
Relate the story to real-life events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s answers to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Praise their insights and contributions to the conversation to boost their confidence and encourage a love for reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist’s experience in surviving Hurricane Katrina shows how resilience is key to overcoming extreme challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by developing persistence and determination when facing their own personal challenges, whether they're big or small.
Example Lesson: The importance of community support
Explanation: Throughout the story, the community comes together to support each other, demonstrating the power of collective effort in times of crisis.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and participate in community activities, understanding that cooperation can lead to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As characters in the story encounter hardships, they exhibit empathy and compassion towards others affected by the hurricane.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful of the feelings and struggles of others around them and can strive to support and be kind to their peers.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: The main character confronts numerous fears during the hurricane, illustrating the need for courage amidst fear.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to confront their own fears and realize that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to sudden changes
Explanation: Hurricane Katrina brings unexpected changes to the protagonist’s life, showing how adapting to new situations is crucial.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being flexible and adjusting to changes, such as moving to a new place or changing schools, which are common in many children's lives.