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I Survived Graphic Novels #6
I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: The Graphic Novel
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.
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.
158 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2022
About the author
Lauren Tarshis
104 books886 followersLauren Tarshis often wonders how she came to spend most of her waking moments thinking about disasters, as the author of the children's historical fiction series "I Survived." Each book takes readers into the heart of history's most thrilling and terrifying events, including the sinking of the Titanic, the Shark Attacks of 1916, Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the San Francisco earthquake, 9/11, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Writing these books often makes her feel very nervous, as though at any moment a volcano could erupt right outside her window. Then again, she has learned a thing or two about avoiding being eaten by a shark.
Lauren is also the author of the the award-winning Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and its sequel, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love.
For more information, go to her website: www.LaurenTarshis.com
And check out the I Survived Website: www.Scholastic.com/ISurvived
Lauren is also the author of the the award-winning Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and its sequel, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love.
For more information, go to her website: www.LaurenTarshis.com
And check out the I Survived Website: www.Scholastic.com/ISurvived
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 31, 2023
Another home run with I Survived! I really should read more of these books. Once again, the character development was better executed and the plot was more intriguing than many books 3x the length I’ve read. Barry was such a sweetheart and a great protagonist, and I loved watching him gain courage through his experiences, especially as he remembered how his dad had been brave for him. The graphic novel also conveyed the pure fear and desperation survivors of Hurricane Katrina experienced, and it makes me want to read more about these survivors and true stories.
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September 8, 2022Another great GN adaptation for the kiddos who can't get enough I Survived!
November 26, 2022
This graphic novel is amazing. It conveys the horror of Hurricane Katrina in a gripping way without being too explicit for school-age readers, and the main character and his family are so realistic that anyone can relate to them. They're not cardboard cut-outs going through a disaster, but feel like real people to the point where readers can imagine themselves into the same situation.
Although this may be too harrowing for some sensitive readers, I highly recommend this to school-age kids, teens, and adults. The story has enough depth that it can appeal to a broad readership, and the historical and personal notes at the end are also excellent. The primary artist for this book is from New Orleans, and he was in college when his family had to evacuate. That personal touch elevates the book even more, and will show children just how current this now-historical disaster is.
I haven't read the original book that this graphic novel is based on, but I think that the graphic novel is an amazing way to tell the story, since it brings the visual details to life. On the other hand, it does make the story more intense for young readers. Some parents might choose to read this with their child to help them process it, but they should know that even though this disaster story is intense, it is less traumatic than some books in the I Survived series.
Although this may be too harrowing for some sensitive readers, I highly recommend this to school-age kids, teens, and adults. The story has enough depth that it can appeal to a broad readership, and the historical and personal notes at the end are also excellent. The primary artist for this book is from New Orleans, and he was in college when his family had to evacuate. That personal touch elevates the book even more, and will show children just how current this now-historical disaster is.
I haven't read the original book that this graphic novel is based on, but I think that the graphic novel is an amazing way to tell the story, since it brings the visual details to life. On the other hand, it does make the story more intense for young readers. Some parents might choose to read this with their child to help them process it, but they should know that even though this disaster story is intense, it is less traumatic than some books in the I Survived series.
June 9, 2022
This graphic novel is about a kid who is stuck with his family in New Orleans when Katrina hit. The graphics are wonderful and I think it would be a great way for anyone to get an idea of how terrifying it must have been for those stuck below the levees. Great for ages 8-12, but this much older person thought it was worth reading.
June 22, 2023
Book: I Survived: Hurricane Katrina, 2005
Author: Lauren Tarshis
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
My middle school students love this series! I have read a hand full of the “I Survived” books and I must say that each one I read is better than the last. I am in love with the fact that they are now being printed as graphic novels, which means that my struggling readers can also enjoy this series. Plus, the artwork is gorgeous and adds much to the story. It gives students a visual background knowledge, which deepens their understanding of what is going on. I wish that these books had been out when I was in middle school. I would have eaten these up. Oh well, I can enjoy this as an adult.
In this one, we follow Barry and his family who live in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans. There is a hurricane called Katrina coming their way. At first, the family wasn’t going to leave. After all, New Orleans has been hit by hurricanes before and the levees will protect them. However, as the storm grows stronger, they decide to leave and return when it is all over. Cleo, Barry’s sister, gets sick and the family is forced to stay behind. Katrina strikes. At first, it doesn’t seem that bad, but then the levees break. Barry and his family are forced to see higher ground. Then, Barry falls into the floodwaters and the wild ride begins.
One thing that I like about this series is the fact that we have children in dangerous and historical situations, yet the author keeps it age appropriate. Children are exposed to the danger and horror of what it was like living through a historical period, but it’s not too much for them. I hope that makes sense. I also like that the author includes bits of hope. This shows everyone that even in the worst of times, there is hope and you have to hold onto that hope. It is hope that keeps people going and it is the drive to be with the ones that you love that make even the worst of situations have a bit of light to them.
This book shows us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It may not always be what you think it is. Even when everything is lost, there is always something or someone out there. It’s the small things in life that keep us going and this book gives us that.
Overall, I did enjoy this one. I highly recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a solid middle-grade historical series.
Author: Lauren Tarshis
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
My middle school students love this series! I have read a hand full of the “I Survived” books and I must say that each one I read is better than the last. I am in love with the fact that they are now being printed as graphic novels, which means that my struggling readers can also enjoy this series. Plus, the artwork is gorgeous and adds much to the story. It gives students a visual background knowledge, which deepens their understanding of what is going on. I wish that these books had been out when I was in middle school. I would have eaten these up. Oh well, I can enjoy this as an adult.
In this one, we follow Barry and his family who live in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans. There is a hurricane called Katrina coming their way. At first, the family wasn’t going to leave. After all, New Orleans has been hit by hurricanes before and the levees will protect them. However, as the storm grows stronger, they decide to leave and return when it is all over. Cleo, Barry’s sister, gets sick and the family is forced to stay behind. Katrina strikes. At first, it doesn’t seem that bad, but then the levees break. Barry and his family are forced to see higher ground. Then, Barry falls into the floodwaters and the wild ride begins.
One thing that I like about this series is the fact that we have children in dangerous and historical situations, yet the author keeps it age appropriate. Children are exposed to the danger and horror of what it was like living through a historical period, but it’s not too much for them. I hope that makes sense. I also like that the author includes bits of hope. This shows everyone that even in the worst of times, there is hope and you have to hold onto that hope. It is hope that keeps people going and it is the drive to be with the ones that you love that make even the worst of situations have a bit of light to them.
This book shows us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It may not always be what you think it is. Even when everything is lost, there is always something or someone out there. It’s the small things in life that keep us going and this book gives us that.
Overall, I did enjoy this one. I highly recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a solid middle-grade historical series.
July 5, 2022
Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
One thing I like about the I Survived Graphic Novel series is that it educates and entertains, using relatable tween characters which is who the series is targeted for. In this story, Barry is a young member of the New Orleans community. He’s aware that a storm is on its way and so while there isn’t any immediate urgency, Barry realizes this might be a different type of storm when his father insists that everyone try to get out of the City.
The family is unable to evacuate New Orleans and they decide to turn around and ride out the storm at home. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when their family home begins to flood after the levee breaks. The family makes their way onto the roof where Barry falls into the churning flood waters.
Barry survives by taking shelter with a familiar dog but the traumatic experience of being alone in a dangerous environment will stay with him forever.
One important aspect of I Survived Hurricane Katrina is the honest portrayal of survival in the water. Many kids don’t know that floating in flood waters is actually really dangerous. There can be floating cars or busted wood from homes, toxic fluids in the water and so realizes that the water isn’t the safest place to be. Barry acknowledges this by describing his irritated skin and wounds from floating in the rising flood waters.
The I Survived Hurricane Katrina graphic novel is illustrated and colored by Alvin Epps and this book fits nicely in with the other I Survived graphic novels. The illustrations are vibrant and interesting with just the right amount of detail to keep the reader’s attention. This graphic novel captures the terror and uncertainty of a community absolutely torn apart by a hurricane. It also touches on some native New Orleans people who leave the community for good after losing their homes, jobs, and livelihood.
Add me on BookTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@blissandbooks
One thing I like about the I Survived Graphic Novel series is that it educates and entertains, using relatable tween characters which is who the series is targeted for. In this story, Barry is a young member of the New Orleans community. He’s aware that a storm is on its way and so while there isn’t any immediate urgency, Barry realizes this might be a different type of storm when his father insists that everyone try to get out of the City.
The family is unable to evacuate New Orleans and they decide to turn around and ride out the storm at home. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when their family home begins to flood after the levee breaks. The family makes their way onto the roof where Barry falls into the churning flood waters.
Barry survives by taking shelter with a familiar dog but the traumatic experience of being alone in a dangerous environment will stay with him forever.
One important aspect of I Survived Hurricane Katrina is the honest portrayal of survival in the water. Many kids don’t know that floating in flood waters is actually really dangerous. There can be floating cars or busted wood from homes, toxic fluids in the water and so realizes that the water isn’t the safest place to be. Barry acknowledges this by describing his irritated skin and wounds from floating in the rising flood waters.
The I Survived Hurricane Katrina graphic novel is illustrated and colored by Alvin Epps and this book fits nicely in with the other I Survived graphic novels. The illustrations are vibrant and interesting with just the right amount of detail to keep the reader’s attention. This graphic novel captures the terror and uncertainty of a community absolutely torn apart by a hurricane. It also touches on some native New Orleans people who leave the community for good after losing their homes, jobs, and livelihood.
Add me on BookTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@blissandbooks
December 11, 2023
I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 Graphic Novel is a historical fiction book by Lauren Tarshis and art by Alvin Epps. This graphic novel for middle-grade children gave a factual and emotional look into the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Barry, a young boy, was excited to enter a comic book competition with his best friend Jay. His parents inform him they must evacuate soon due to the hurricane, but no adults seem worried. Due to his sister getting sick and extreme traffic, Barry and his family must return to their home during the hurricane. The Levees broke, and their neighborhood was totally flooded. Eventually, the family had to climb on the roof, and Barry was separated. This story does an excellent job of adding the child’s perspective to this tragedy. Children who read this can really be put into the shoes of children who experienced it firsthand. The artwork in this graphic novel is incredibly detailed, especially in facial expressions. This is essential in this book because the depth of emotion primarily comes through the artwork. Although Barry does say he is scared multiple times. There are many scary events where facial expressions say it all. Adding the dog character was important for the theme and brings across yet another forgotten piece of Hurricane Katrina: the thousands of pets that were abandoned. The story's conclusion brings it full circle to the beginning, Barry and jay can revise their superhero comic and submit it to the contest. The ending is optimistic but does not skip over the trauma Barry (and real-life victims) endured and will have to deal with for the rest of his life. There are more facts about Hurricane Katrina after the ending for anyone who wants more factual information.
November 22, 2022
A graphic novel about one of the biggest disasters in the United States - Hurricane Katrina. I remember when I was a child, the news every night reported about this and it has been engraved in my mind until now. The art is very vivid, partly depicting the disaster that year.
The story follows the journey of Barry and his family through Hurricane Katrina. No one seemed to be able to predict how horrible it would be. Some people could escape but also some people were not that lucky. The message at the end of the story is quite lovely and meaningful. Usually, we think of a superhero as something very sublime, but anyone can be their own superhero. And behind a disaster, it's not the end, it's the new beginning as long as we have faith.
1 cuốn graphic novel về 1 trong những thảm họa lớn nhất nước Mỹ - siêu bão Katrina. Nhớ hồi nhỏ lúc ấy t chưa vào lớp 1, bản tin thời sự tối nào cũng đưa tin về việc này và nó khắc sâu vào trong tâm trí t đến tân bây giờ. Tranh vẽ rất sắc nét, sinh động, khắc họa phần nào thảm họa năm ấy.
Truyện kể về hành trình của Barry và gia đình của cậu ấy trải qua cơn bão Katrina. Dường như không ai có thể dự đoán đc mức độ kinh khủng của nó. Có người thoát nạn cũng có người k may mắn đc như thế. Thông điệp lồng ghép cuối truyện khá đáng yêu và ý nghĩa. Thông thường chúng ta hay nghĩ anh hùng (superhero) là cái gì đó rất cao siêu nhưng ai cũng thể là anh hùng của chính mình. Và đằng sau một thảm họa, đó k phải là sự kết thúc, mà là sự khởi đầu mới miễn là chúng ta có niềm tin.
The story follows the journey of Barry and his family through Hurricane Katrina. No one seemed to be able to predict how horrible it would be. Some people could escape but also some people were not that lucky. The message at the end of the story is quite lovely and meaningful. Usually, we think of a superhero as something very sublime, but anyone can be their own superhero. And behind a disaster, it's not the end, it's the new beginning as long as we have faith.
1 cuốn graphic novel về 1 trong những thảm họa lớn nhất nước Mỹ - siêu bão Katrina. Nhớ hồi nhỏ lúc ấy t chưa vào lớp 1, bản tin thời sự tối nào cũng đưa tin về việc này và nó khắc sâu vào trong tâm trí t đến tân bây giờ. Tranh vẽ rất sắc nét, sinh động, khắc họa phần nào thảm họa năm ấy.
Truyện kể về hành trình của Barry và gia đình của cậu ấy trải qua cơn bão Katrina. Dường như không ai có thể dự đoán đc mức độ kinh khủng của nó. Có người thoát nạn cũng có người k may mắn đc như thế. Thông điệp lồng ghép cuối truyện khá đáng yêu và ý nghĩa. Thông thường chúng ta hay nghĩ anh hùng (superhero) là cái gì đó rất cao siêu nhưng ai cũng thể là anh hùng của chính mình. Và đằng sau một thảm họa, đó k phải là sự kết thúc, mà là sự khởi đầu mới miễn là chúng ta có niềm tin.
March 21, 2023
Barry's family is about to head out of town from their home in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward when they hear the warnings about hurricane, but then his little sister gets sick and they are forced to hunker down at home. As the waters rise the family is forced to go higher and higher in their house. Will they make it, or will hurricane Katrina sweep them away?
One of the more recent natural disasters featured in the I Survived series (though it is still long enough ago the target audience wasn't born yet when it happened). It translates very well to graphic novel form, and the illustrator is a New Orleans native which is nice. Seeing the illustrations definitely helps you better empathize with what the people of New Orleans went through during Hurricane Katrina and the recovery process.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Barry gets into some seriously dangerous situations . The back of the book talks mentions lives lost in the hurricane, briefly mentions diseases and injuries people got, and all the property damaged. It also talks about all the pets who had to be left behind.
One of the more recent natural disasters featured in the I Survived series (though it is still long enough ago the target audience wasn't born yet when it happened). It translates very well to graphic novel form, and the illustrator is a New Orleans native which is nice. Seeing the illustrations definitely helps you better empathize with what the people of New Orleans went through during Hurricane Katrina and the recovery process.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Barry gets into some seriously dangerous situations . The back of the book talks mentions lives lost in the hurricane, briefly mentions diseases and injuries people got, and all the property damaged. It also talks about all the pets who had to be left behind.
April 27, 2023
Barry Tucker and his family try to evacuate New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits. But as the family is gridlocked amidst all the cars trying to head towards Houston, Barry's little sister gets sick and the family decides to turn around and head back home. They hunker down for the night and in the morning Barry wakes up to water knocking their house doors open. The levees have broken and the family takes refuge on their rooftop. Things take a turn for the worse as Barry falls off his roof into the water and is separated from his family.
Yet another good I Survived book. The illustrator of this one is a New Orleans native whose own family also had to evacuate bc of Katrina.
Yet another good I Survived book. The illustrator of this one is a New Orleans native whose own family also had to evacuate bc of Katrina.
March 13, 2023
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.
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.
March 28, 2023
My 6 year old chose this on our last visit to a bookstore. I'm currently reading it aloud with him, but I skipped ahead and read the end myself.
I've never read any of the I Survived books (and I'm breaking my own rule about not reading graphic novels aloud - but he was sick this weekend!), but I really liked this one for balancing the scary reality of Hurricane Katrina but telling it in a way that still works for younger kids. It also has great information in the end about both the true history of Katrina and the history of New Orleans with hurricanes.
I've never read any of the I Survived books (and I'm breaking my own rule about not reading graphic novels aloud - but he was sick this weekend!), but I really liked this one for balancing the scary reality of Hurricane Katrina but telling it in a way that still works for younger kids. It also has great information in the end about both the true history of Katrina and the history of New Orleans with hurricanes.
January 19, 2023
I love this book so much. I also love this book bc love helping animals. And this book has so much action or like um... maybe intense scenes yeah that's it. And the way he saved cruz and his new drawing that was cool. Thank u so much for making this book keep making more I love these.
Bye...Don't worry I will read more of these. Bye again and thank u agian.
This is Levi's review. We both read it at the same time.
Bye...Don't worry I will read more of these. Bye again and thank u agian.
This is Levi's review. We both read it at the same time.
January 25, 2023
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.
June 12, 2023
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.
October 15, 2023
This book was really good and moving. This book talks about how to live through this devastation. It also talked about what it was like since many people left their pets behind. I would include this book in my classroom because it can give some information to the students about what it was like during this tragedy. It can also give some information about hurricanes and what the extreme of them looks like.
April 3, 2024
I just got this book for my classroom library and already students have been checking it out! I decided to bring it home with me today, because I have a feeling more students will want to check it out. The graphics and writing were wonderful! When I was reading this, it sent me back to when I was seeing the breaking news of hurricane Katrina live. This graphic novel will make the story real and understandable for kids.
February 20, 2023
The title "I Survived" evokes something very different that what this book is: it's less cheap adventure and more exciting story acting as invitation to learn about an important event. My nine-year-old has taken the bait, so count this a win.
my favorite quote: "I was scared the whole time. But here I am on solid ground."
my favorite quote: "I was scared the whole time. But here I am on solid ground."
July 2, 2023
Read the novel first but enjoyed the graphic novel more as so much explained through the pictures. As never experienced this disaster I learnt a lot. Main character Barry is fantastic too, strong, brave, kind, compassionate and at times scared and cries. Human face on a huge tragedy.
2023 pop sugar reading challenge- a book about a family
2023 pop sugar reading challenge- a book about a family
August 23, 2023
So beautiful and moving- I felt like I was reliving the tragedy that affected so many that day; I love how historical fiction makes the main character a kid, so kids can easily relate and learn about real historic events; sooo much better than a standard textbook!!! I highly recommend this series for any history/social studies unit
October 25, 2023
I don’t know how these books don’t result in nightmares for kids. And yet my kid picks them out at the library because he is curious about the events. They are very real and are a way for kids to get to learn about real historical events from the point of view of a peer. My son always asks additional questions too so we end up researching the answers.
January 21, 2024
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.
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.
February 18, 2024
One can also add: I Survived the Katrina Stadium Dome to this collection. The entire disaster was terrible to the point that some people died eaten by gators.
I will not tire of saying that this collection is great for middle-graders and schools. The drawings are clear and colorful. There is constant action and good-hearted characters.
I will not tire of saying that this collection is great for middle-graders and schools. The drawings are clear and colorful. There is constant action and good-hearted characters.
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October 31, 2022I thought it was great. Kept me engaged the whole time. I think it was realistic as far as what kids would do, which might be different from how an adult would have acted in certain situations. My first I Survived graphic novel, too.
January 14, 2023
The latest graphic novel to come out. The pictures in these graphic novels are great. This graphic novel is on Hurricane Katrina. A huge Hurricane that affected Louisiana and many other states. I couldn't out this book down.
February 10, 2023
This book was amazing. Once I first started reading it it was calm and has good descriptions. But later on in the book the action started. It felt like I was in the book while reading it. I am happy he ended up finding his parents and winning the comic book competition.
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June 13, 2023Incredibly harrowing and moving story of survival and resilience throughout Hurricane Katrina. I appreciated that the back matter discussed the governmental failings that contributed to the disaster. I think a discussion of environmental racism could be used here as well.
June 15, 2023
I like that Barry was brave when he was lost in the floods. The scariest part was when Barry slipped off the roof into the water and separated from his family. I would recommend this book to people who like the other I survived graphic novels.
July 26, 2023
Another wonderful graphic novel version of Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived novels. These are such amazing books that teach kids about important historical events and having them in both graphic novel and normal novel version is awesome!
April 19, 2024
Good story overall. I was invested in Barry and Cruz surviving the hurricane. Wonderful illustrations by Alvin Epps, who if you continue reading past the story was from New Orleans before settling in California to attend art school.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews