Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Drowned City is a short nonfiction graphic novel that presents a close-up look at the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Author-illustrator Don Brown has explored national tragedies before, in America Is Under Attack and The Great American Dust Bowl, and he brings a similar level of sensitivity and craftsmanship to this project. The artwork depicts distressing circumstances: people drowning, stores being looted, crowds of survivors waiting for rescue. The muted palette and Brown's somewhat abstract approach to the human figure prevents the material from being too overwhelming.
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Drowned City is amazing!
What's the story?
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, overwhelming the levees that were supposed to protect the city. Eighty percent of the city flooded, and more than 1,400 people lost their lives. DROWNED CITY chronicles the tragedy and triumph of those dark days, depicting brave rescues, widespread neglect, and brutal conditions.
Is it any good?
There have been many nonfiction accounts from New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but this book does a great job of presenting a nuanced overview that's suitable for young readers. Brown's text and illustrations convey the enormity of the storm and its aftermath without being overwhelming in intensity. Individual acts of bravery and kindness are contrasted against scenes of avoidable tragedy and terrible neglect. There's a political message here about the arrogance and incompetence of the federal and local governments, but it's subtly rendered through the simple statement of documented facts.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about how governments respond to natural disasters. What could have been done to prevent the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina? What went wrong in the days after the storm? Did politics play a role?
What do you think of the graphic novel as a format for exploring historical events. Have you read any others?
How can your family be better prepared for a natural disaster? What plans should be in place to ensure a more positive outcome?
Book details
- Author: Don Brown
- Illustrator: Don Brown
- Genre: History
- Topics: Adventures, History, Science and Nature
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: August 4, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 96
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Award: ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
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