I Survived the Joplin Tornado
What’s inside...
In this historical fiction, eleven-year-old Dexter has always wanted to see a tornado. So when he gets the incredible opportunity to go storm chasing with the famous Dr. Norman Gage, he has to say yes! But when a terrible twister sweeps through the town of Joplin, Dexter's bravery is about to get seriously tested.
Why read this book
- Captivating story of survival and resilience.
- Enhances understanding of natural disasters.
- Encourages empathy and emotional growth.
- Ideal for engaging young advanced readers.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt during the tornado? What emotions do you think you would feel in a similar situation?
What are some ways the community came together after the tornado? Why is teamwork important in times of crisis?
What did the characters learn from their experience? What can we learn from facing challenging situations?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in a different place or time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book's events. Validate their emotions and share your perspectives to foster a deeper understanding. Discuss the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming adversities. You can also connect the story to real-life events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist's experiences during and after the Joplin Tornado demonstrate the ability to adapt and persevere through extremely challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain hopeful and find strength within themselves despite facing difficulties, be it at school or in personal situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of community and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters come together to help one another survive and rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster, illustrating the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate in community service, work cooperatively in team settings, and value the support system around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others' suffering
Explanation: The book portrays the different ways people are affected by the tornado, fostering an understanding of the diverse emotional and physical impacts of catastrophic events.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing compassion and understanding towards friends or classmates who might be going through tough times.
Example Lesson: Preparedness and awareness
Explanation: The events in the story highlight the significance of being prepared for natural disasters, through the characters' responses and preventive measures they take.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of being informed and prepared for emergencies, instilling proactive safety habits.
Example Lesson: Optimism and looking forward
Explanation: Despite the destruction caused by the tornado, the characters focus on rebuilding and healing, signaling a message of hope and future possibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to focus on positive outcomes and work towards recovery and betterment even after setbacks.