When I set my September blog schedule a month ago, I had no idea how timely this post would be. I simply noticed a publishing trend and ran with it. But with the devastation of Ida fresh on our minds, these two new books take on added meaning for readers.
Hurricane by John Rocco (09/28/21)
This Caldecott Honoree shows the power of community and the beauty of rebuilding after adversity in this dramatically illustrated follow-up to Blizzard and Blackout.
That night the wind roars and rumbles,
like the sound of a thousand waves
pounding the shoreline.
A young boy's favorite place in the world is the old, splintery neighborhood dock. At this dock the boy can swim, fish, or watch minnows dart between the rocks. But a hurricane is coming . . . and its violent winds and rain carry with it anything that can float.
Watch the Book Chat with the author!
I Survived: The Galveston Hurricane, 1900 by Lauren Tarshis (#21 - 09/07/21)
The city of Galveston, Texas, was booming. Perched on an island off the southern coast of Texas, Galveston had been founded in the 1830s. By 1900, it was Texas's richest and most important city. Boats loaded up with American cotton and wheat steamed from Galveston to countries around the world. Arriving ships were crowded with immigrants. The streets, paved with crushed oyster shells, sparkled like they'd been sprinkled with diamonds. True, this glittering city was prone to flooding. But just a few years before, a weather forecaster had said the idea of a hurricane striking Galveston was absurd.
So when a storm started brewing on September 8, 1900, no one believed it would be any worse than previous storms. They gathered on the beach to cheer on the wild waves. But what started as entertainment soon turned into a nightmare as those wild waves crashed into the city. By morning, hundreds of homes were destroyed. Eight thousand people were dead. The city had all but disappeared. In ths thrilling installment of the bestselling series, one child finds safety only to head back into the treacherous waters to make sure his neighbors are safe.
Take a look at an author-recommended video and article on the Galveston hurricane to learn more.
BOOK BONUS!
The newest graphic novel in the I Survived series (#4) is I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001. This year marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and books can be a great way to explore the facts and feelings about this dark day in American history. For further recommendations, take a look at this month's Katie Jane's Corner. You can also read this interview with the author and illustrator.
