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I Survived Hurricane Katrina

illustrations by
4.21
on Goodreads (10,435)

What’s inside...

The story revolves around an 11-year-old boy named Barry Tucker who lived in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit the city. He struggles to survive the deadly hurricane with his family. The story details the events of the hurricane and Barry's bravery and determination in the face of disaster.

Why read this book

  • Captivating survival story, enhances resilience understanding.
  • Encourages empathy through realistic, relatable protagonist.
  • Fosters awareness on natural disasters' impacts.
  • Strengthens literacy with engaging narrative structure.
In series
Age
8-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity

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 helped others in the story? How important is it to help others during difficult times?
What did you learn about hurricanes and natural disasters from this book?
How did the community come together after the hurricane? Can you think of examples in our community where people help each other?
If you could speak to Barry, what would you ask him or what advice would you give him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Barry’s shoes, focusing on both emotional and physical challenges faced.
Discuss the importance of community and teamwork in overcoming difficulties, using examples from the book to highlight collaborative efforts.
Use the story as a starting point to educate about natural disasters, safety measures, and emergency preparedness, making it a learning opportunity.
Highlight Barry’s resilience and courage, discussing with your child how they can exhibit similar qualities in their own life challenges.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about what they think happened to Barry after the book ended to foster creativity and critical thinking.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Barry, faces the terrifying force of Hurricane Katrina but shows immense resilience throughout his harrowing experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges with courage and determination, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and teamwork
Explanation: During the hurricane, Barry witnesses and participates in communal efforts to help each other out, highlighting how people come together during crises.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and contribute to their community, understanding the power of collective effort in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion for others
Explanation: Barry’s ordeal makes him more aware of the suffering of others around him, fostering a deep sense of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be considerate and kind toward others' feelings and situations, promoting a more empathetic society.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The storm drastically changes Barry's life, but he learns to adapt to new realities and challenges that follow.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of flexibility and adaptability in children, helping them thrive in an ever-changing world.
Example Lesson: Bravery in difficult times
Explanation: Despite his young age and the dangerous scenarios, Barry’s bravery shines as he navigates the challenges posed by Hurricane Katrina.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be brave and face their fears, showing them that bravery is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.