This novel in the I Survived series follows 11-year-old Barry Tucker, who resides with his family in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward in 2005. Though the Tuckers attempt to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina strikes, they end up trapped in their home as the storm approaches. Although the events depicted here could be scary for younger children, Tarshis offers a hopeful resolution, and a frank epilogue gives additional facts about the disaster. Expressive illustrations capture the drama of the storm and its aftermath, but the book's real power comes from its exploration of what it means to be a hero.

The book begins on a terrible Monday in August, 2005, with eleven-year-old Barry Tucker clinging to a tree as Hurricane Katrina ravages New Orleans. The text then backs up to tell of Barry's family's attempt to escape the city and how everyone weathered the storm. Accessible writing and fast pacing will appeal to reluctant readers. Shadowy black-and-white illustrations enhance the story.

Tarshis (I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912, 2010, etc.) again transforms a historical event into a fast-paced adventure story appropriate for lower elementary students. This tale begins on that fateful day, Monday, August 29, 2005. Eleven-year old Bobby Tucker is hanging on to an oak tree trying to survive the floodwaters in the Lower Ninth Ward. After the dramatic opening scene, readers are taken back one day in time, to August 28. Life in the Lower Ninth is humming along as usual that day—Bobby and his friend Jay excitedly planning to send in an entry to a nationwide Create a Superhero contest—until evacuation orders convince Bobby's family to head of town. Unfortunately, Bobby's little sister gets so ill that the family has to return home and try to ride out the storm. The author's research and respect for the survivors of Katrina make this a realistic and gripping account that steers clear of sensationalism and sentimentality. Following the main text are "After the Storm: Questions about Katrina" and "Facts about Hurricane Katrina," both ideal for setting young readers who have been enthralled by Bobby's story on a path to discovering more about the true story of Katrina and its aftermath. (Historical fiction. 7-10)