Reviews

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: The Graphic Novel by Georgia Ball, Lauren Tarshis

nguyen_vy's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

3.0

thecamilleae's review

5.0

I've become a fan of the "I Survive" books. It's been a great tool to use to discuss difficult, tragic events with my children. You get the historical facts intertwined with a very personal story to relate to typically from a young person's perspective. It's brilliant. As I've read these books with my 7 year old (he's a fan), he stops me and asks a lot of questions. He's developing great empathy for the characters in the story. I would definitely recommend this book and the entire series.

destdest's review

sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Hurricane Katrina stories always made me cry, and this one is no different. Barry’s family tried to evacuate but a family emergency caused them to turn back. They weren’t prepared for the storm’s wrath. 

I really liked Barry’s narrative voice and the plot point with the dog. 

There are also facts included in the back that give more context to the storm.

catwhisperflubbs's review

adventurous dark informative reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

peyton_'s review

3.0

First, and most important, I loved Cruz and was so happy that things worked well for the little pupper.

This is another good installment in the I Survived series, graphic novel adaptations. The images definitely helped bring the hurrican to life, especially with showing the rising water level and debris. This was a good story, with interesting characters. I also liked the incorporation of Akivo and showing how people see others as heroes.

mackef's review against another edition

emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jessiebwriting's review

4.25

I have memories of watching the news and learning of Hurricane Katrina and then hearing about it hear and there for years after, including in shows and movies. While I sympathized with those that suffered, there always felt like there was this disconnect from it. This story bridges that disconnect and brings the reader into the fear and devastation of that day. Barry is a brave soul but you also never forget that he is a child. The fear grips you and your right there with him, wondering if not only will his family survive but him as well. A powerful story told in just the right way for middle grade youth but adults as well.

stophie12's review

adventurous emotional hopeful informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

sandylovesbooks's review

5.0

Once again the I Survived series makes a great graphic novel. So interesting and full of facts about the terrible event - Hurricane Katrina. I'm sure this story is less traumatic than what most people in the area went through. My heart goes out to everyone there at that time. It's so easy to ask "why didn't people leave?" But it was more of a "couldn't" than "wouldn't".

I absolutely loved the comic in a comic with Akivo. And how it was made better after the storm. And now Akivo has a sidekick dog and a guardian angel. And, yes, how many brave Barry's there must have been.

lydia_bryant's review

emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: The Graphic Novel, by Lauren Tarshis, illustrated by Calvin Epps and published in 2022. This book was written for the age group of eight to twelve-year-olds. The story is about Barry's family trying 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 as bad as predicted, but that soon changes. This book gives the reader an inside look into the natural disaster and how someone might have felt when experiencing this. Throughout the story, the main character starts very worried. Then it develops into being brave and gains the attitude of thankfulness as he has survived this natural disaster that others have not and how blessed he is to have his family still. The illustrator also does a fantastic job showing the wide variety of how the characters are feeling throughout the novel. <Graphic Novel><fiction><hopeful><informative><sad><tense>