The Storm: Students of Biloxi, Mississippi, Remember Hurricane Katrina

Features

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Cover Type: Paperback with 64 pages
• Published by: Charlesbridge Publishing
• Edition: 1st Edition August 30, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 158089173X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1580891738
• Book Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Weighs: 8 ounces

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-8–A compilation of stories and artwork by 91 children in grades K-12. Their submissions range from single-sentence descriptions, short paragraphs, and poems to black-and-white pencil sketches and paintings/drawings in other media. (Teachers and administrators also offer brief reflections.) The book is divided into four sections that parallel the disaster's time line and effects–Evacuation, Storm, Aftermath, and Hope. Stark white pages serve as a crisp backdrop for the text and the variously sized art, which attracts the eye. Readers will be moved by images and descriptions that students share: My house drowned; Shingles were falling like pancakes; Everything in life is a privilege, not a right….I never believed that until I lost it all. The impact of the storm on the families of Biloxi and their struggles to rebuild their lives are vividly portrayed. Ultimately, the book emphasizes the resilience of children and the healing powers of art. It is also a practical means to helping the recovery efforts since a portion of the proceeds from the sales are being donated to Biloxi Public Schools.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Reader Reviews
My copy of "The Storm" came today, and it's stunning. Everyone in my office stood around in the hallway as we looked through the kids' memories and drawings, utterly absorbed. At least five people immediately said they were going to order copies -- both for themselves, and for their schools. The book has an almost visceral impact; the hurricane could have been yesterday, so strong are the emotional responses to reading it. We just wanted to gather all the kids in our arms, and somehow make the world right again.