Una tormenta llamada Katrina

by Myron Uhlberg, Colin Bootman (Illustrator)

A moving story of the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the people of New Orleans, as seen through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy.

Louis Daniel hates it when Mama treats him like a baby. But when Hurricane Katrina blows through the Gulf Coast on a fateful August night, Louis feels like a little kid again.

With no time to gather their belongings—except Louis’s beloved horn—Daddy leads the family from their home and into an unfamiliar, watery world of floating debris, lurking critters, and desperate neighbors heading for dry ground.

Taking shelter in the already-crowded Superdome, Louis and his parents wait…and wait. Conditions continue to worsen and their water supply is running out. When Daddy fails to return from a scouting mission within the Dome, Louis knows he’s no longer a baby. It’s up to him to find his father—with the help of his prized cornet.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Family, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Juvenile

40 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Myron Uhlberg is the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of a number of children’s books. He recently published a memoir of his life in Brooklyn, New York, growing up the oldest hearing son of deaf parents. He lives with his wife in Santa Monica and Palm Springs.

Reviews

[538AM_Steph]

Uhlberg details the story of an African-American boy named Louis, who along with his parents, experience the events that resulted from Hurricane Katrina. Although the story of Louis’ family is fictional, "A Storm Called Katrina" reads as almost non-fiction as the reader proceeds through occurrences such as learning about what happened to the levee, the confusion New Orleans residents encountered, and the experience of living in the Superdome. What the words cannot describe, the illustrations bring to life additional elements, such as the fear and sadness in the victim’s eyes that helps create the somber mood of the event.

Themes such as the importance of family bonds and using one’s talent to solve problems are highlighted throughout the pages of "A Storm Called Katrina." Although this is one of the gloomy stories in recent American history, "A Storm Called Katrina" is geared towards first and second grade students and as such, presents the story in a positive tone that could allow a teacher to discuss this history lesson in a manner that would be appropriate with younger students. Also, because the book doesn’t go into detail about the cultural, racial, and social issues brought to light during the disaster; the teacher can extend this learning appropriately for the grade level in which this book is being read, making it a very versatile learning material. On the pages following the story, Uhlberg provides a factual account of the natural disaster and the destruction it caused that could be read or used to engage students in further research.

[Laura]

How do we explain Hurricane Katrina to a child? The fear, tension, ugliness, and mistakes made in those days and weeks after Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans in 2005 is a hard lesson to teach and show young readers. Mother Nature’s power and fury is hard enough to understand and accept. But a difficult lesson that needs to be taught. Katrina is a part of our lives and history. A time filled with pain, death, and regret that marked and changed a city and country forever.

A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg is a stunning work of art that not only captures nature’s sudden and fierce energy, but the raw storm of emotions of Katrina’s aftermath as well. This book does not shy away from the death, shock, and darkness in people’s hearts when they are lost and afraid. But the strength, compassion, loyalty, and warm embrace of love jumps off the page too. We all must fight to survive in times of crisis, but it is how we survive and how we treat people along the way that is key.

Ten year old Louis and his family will show readers of all ages the heart of New Orleans, the heart of a family, and the true beat in life. A stunning and powerful gut punch of a book! So much pain, heart, loss, and life can be found here in the words, characters, and paintings. I read it again and again with tears in my eyes every time!

A must read.

[Edina Halilovic]

This book was written so well, I think it was written with the intent to explain a storm as catastrophic as Katrina was to a child. I think the pictures in the book detailed how hectic the scene was in the aftermath of Katrina, it brought the story together. In the authors note real pictures from hurricane Katrina were added which I really appreciated.

[Rachel Cummins]

This book is a Historical Fiction book that is the perspective of an African American boy, Louis, whose family is affected by Hurricane Katrina. Louis loves to play the trumpet and uses his skills to locate his father who was lost in the sea of people in the Super Dome. I think this book would be appropriate for grades 3-5.

If I were to incorporate this book in my classroom I would probably use it as a read-aloud when we were learning about weather. I would have a lesson on hurricanes and I would read this book and describe that some hurricanes can be extremely dangerous affecting many people and towns. This book is a WOW book for me because I think it helps show the affects of Hurricane Katrina in a child friendly way without showing the devastating situations that occurred. But it shows enough to let the students know the severity of the disaster and how it affected families and the town. The illustrations are amazing, very colorful, detailed and catch your eye immediately.

[Karen]

I don't usually review picture books or add them to my challenge total, but since I read this for the publisher, I will. This beautifully illustrated book chronicles young Louis's family in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. We see Louis's family ride out the storm in their home until the levees break and they must flee to the Super Dome. It's a very important look at this subject and handled very well for the younger set. I really appreciate the facts section at the end, and the illustrations are so well thought out and intricate, they almost look like photograhs. While it does skew younger than my age group, I plan to add it to my library collection, since Katrina is, of course, a popular subject with my Mississippi students. I wonder if it might even be a contender for the Caldecott.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer]

Uhlberg here relates the story of a black family in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, and how they have to leave their home when the levee breaks. Children reading this will see the dangers and deprivations that people faced as Louis Daniel and his parents make their way to the Superdome and wait to be evacuated. Little does Louis Daniel realize the wisdom of his decision to take his trumpet with him when he evacuates. I wish the story hadn't been so flat--it lacked a depth of emotion to really make an impact upon the reader. An author's note at the end provides further information about what happened, and include four pictures and a list of books and web sites to consult. Great illustrations, so-so text. Nevertheless, recommended.

[Zach]

In A Storm Called Katrina, Myron Uhlberg describes the journey Louis and his family take to safety during hurricane Katrina. After floating on a makeshift raft the family joins thousands of others evacuated to the Super Dome. Uhlberg shows how when resources are limited, the crowed begins to get aggressive. When Louis's father cannot find the family after looking for food, Louis plays his horn in front of the whole Super Dome to reunite his family. The book offers a great peak into how such a disaster can be experienced and told through the eyes of a child. In addition to teaching about hurricane Katrina the book can also be put in a larger context of displaced communities and environmental education.

[Nicole]

This book will serve as an introduction to my students on how Katrina impacted those living in New Orleans. While I understand this book is meant for younger kids it did seem to gloss over some major events and issues that occurred. Uhlberg did a great job showing how the storm impacted those living in New Orleans but by the end of the book all seemed to be resolved. I will use the book as a teachable moment with my students on how we teach hard history to children and I'm hopeful it will lead to a great discussion.

[Margo Jantzi]

A tastefully written fictional account of the traumatic Hurricane Katrina storm effects from the eyes of a ten year old boy. This picture book will help the younger learners learn about the storm in a gentle way.

[Nancy]

Beautiful story, beautiful pictures. Can't wait to get a hard copy (I read this on Net Galley).

[Ohio School for the Deaf Library]

Beautiful story, beautiful pictures. Can't wait for a hard copy (I read this on Net Galley).

[Tessa's Books and Tea Room]

Check out my review at Tessa's Books and Tea Room! @tessa_books

http://wp.me/p3EoiQ-8L

[Shannon Ginley]

Summary:
This book is about the horrific damage Hurricane Katrina caused in 2005 from the perspective of a young boy named Louis Daniel. Louis and his parents woke up one morning during the hurricane and were forced to evacuate. As Louis was determined to take his most prized possession with him, his brass cornet, they drifted through the flood on a piece of someone's porch. Louis and his parents witnessed the tragic impact Katrina left on their town, seeing struggling families, abandon dogs, and even dead bodies. Once getting to the Superdome, where hundreds of people went for refuge, supplies were running out quickly and fights were breaking out. Louis's dad got separated from him and his mother, but Louis knew just how to find him, by playing his brass cornet and reuniting his family back together.

Review:
This story brings to life the real, disastrous, and detrimental impact Hurricane Katrina left on numerous families and cities in 2005. The perspective of Louis Daniel was portrayed perfectly, in a sad but realistic sense, while describing his experiences and emotions during that horrific time. The author matched up the story flawlessly with the images and illustrations presented throughout the book. The expression and reactions were conveyed in such a detailed form and touching way.

Book Connection:
I think this book about Hurricane Katrina can be linked to the tragic experiences also faced during Hurricane Harvey in the book titled, "Everything is Going to be All Right: A Book about Hurricane Harvey" by Susan Langlois. Both of these books portray the immense tragedy, fear, and adversity faced during two very destructive, damaging hurricanes in the United States. Although they are two books about two different hurricanes, they both display the catastrophe these natural disasters caused on the families, communities, and cities effected.

Quote:
I think one of the most powerful, but saddening quotes in this story is when Louis and his family were struggling to stay afloat in attempts of finding refuge. They were passing a big boat driving by as Louis's dad asks, "'Got any room for us?' Daddy called to the driver. 'Sorry,' the man said. 'We're full.'" Although it is a short, simple quote, it exposes the chaos and selfishness people had during this time of crisis. Many people were only worried about themselves and would not attempt to help others in the fear of hurting themselves. I can't image what Louis and his parents were feeling at that exact time and I try to mentally put myself in his shoes, imagining the stress, anxiety, and disappointment I would've felt in that moment.

[Sarah Beattie]

Awards the book has received:
-Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2012
-Teachers’ Choices ―International Reading Association, 2012
-Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2012
-Top 10 Black History Books for Youth ―Booklist, 2012
-Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth (Middle Readers, Fiction) ―Booklist, 2011
-Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award ―Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2011
-California Collections (Elementary) ―California Readers, 2013
-Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2012
-Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Maryland Association of School Librarians, 2013-2014
-Charlotte Award (Nominee, Primary) ―New York State Reading Association, 2014
-Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2012-2013
-Georgia Children’s Picture Storybook Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2012-2013
-Prairie Bud Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Princ, 2013-2014
-Volunteer State Book Awards (Nominee, Primary) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2014-2015

Appropriate Grade Levels:
This book can be read in grades 1-4.

Original Summary:
This book is about a ten year old boy named Louis Daniel who is forced out of his home in New Orleans with his parents during the deadly Hurricane Katrina. The story follows these fictional characters through the real-life events of the hurricane, including walking through the chest high waters through the massive destruction, as well as being sheltered in a dome with other survivors.

Original Review:
This is a great book to teach children about the history of Hurricane Katrina because it is short, covers multiple aspects of the true experience, and has wonderful illustrations to paint a visual for the reader. Additionally, the book offers further historical information about the hurricane for older readers who may want to do more research.

Possible In-Class Use:
This book would be wonderful to incorporate during a unit on weather, specifically while discussing the harmful effects that natural disasters can have. I would teach a lesson on hurricanes, and then have the class brainstorm about events they may have heard of where hurricanes can cause danger. I would then read the book, and facilitate a discussion on the effects of Hurricane Katrina in the US.

[Maria W]

A Storm Called Katrina is a book I discovered while taking a graduate youth literature class. It is a Cooperative Children’s Book Center choice selection and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People.

A Storm Called Katrina is a child-centered presentation of a difficult event. This is a first-person narration told through the eyes of ten-year-old Louis Daniel who is named after one of New Orleans most famous residents, Louis Daniel Armstrong. When the waters of Hurricane Katrina start rising, ten-year-old Louis flees his home through the flooded streets on a raft with his family. They end up at the chaotic Superdome where they wait. Louis describes the Superdome as a place that was hot and stinky with thousands of people. A Storm Called Katrina accurately portrays the chaotic and dangerous conditions of the Superdome in the hurricane's aftermath. From Louis’ perspective this is a scary place. There are long lines for the bathroom, fights over water and food and a power outage. When the water recedes Louis and his family do not board the buses heading out of New Orleans. Instead they head home with a dog Louis has befriended along the way. The ending of this historical fiction picture book provides a positive and hopeful ending that balances the sadness of the story of the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Illustrator Colin Bootman’s dramatic oil paintings provide an intimate view of the escaping residents, the unfocused crowds and the chaos of the Superdome of the residents of New Orleans. The simple prose in some ways shield younger readers from the harsh realities that older readers and adults will discern from the stunning illustrations. Teachers can confidently use this book as a read- aloud for younger children and a resource for older children.

This book is a good introduction to Hurricane Katrina. It can support the study of the impact of hurricanes and other natural disasters. It can support research of Hurricane Katrina by older students. The author provides extensive notes, photographs and resources for readers who want to know more about this catastrophic event.

[Maria]

A Storm Called Katrina written by Myron Uhlberg and illustrated by Colin Bootman has won a laundry list of awards and recognition including Teachers’ Choices - International Reading Association Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Top 10 Black HIstory Books for Youth: Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth. I watched a reading of this book on YouTube and it was possibly the best read aloud I’ve seen on YouTube. The video focused on the illustrations they zoomed in to give you the small details and the camera zoomed out to give you full spreads. The illustrations were beautiful paintings that depicted how a family and a community lived through Katrina.


Louis Daniel is a young boy that loves to play the cornet and lives with his Mama and Daddy in New Orleans. The story begins the night Hurricane Katrina comes through the NOLA. While the family is safe through the night, it’s at daybreak that they realize the levees have broken and they need to leave. The family has no time to grab much of anything but Louis makes certain he grabs his cornet. The family wades through water and makes a raft out of spare porch pieces they find floating near them as they make their way to safety.

The plot and Louis are the biggest strengths of this book. It is an honest story about Katrina and the people the hurricane impacted that everyone should read. It seems well researched and rooted in cultural specificity to make it an authentic story. A slight weakness is the illustrations. Yes, they are gorgeous, and I wish the people in the paintings had more defined features.

This book should be read by everyone but should be read aloud to 1st-5th grades. Students that are interested in historical events would definitely like this book. I would use this book to talk about Hurricane Katrina as well as introduce the conversation about government support (or lack thereof) during times of crises for citizens.

[Grace Heneghan]

I loved this book. I love the genre as it is realistic historical fiction. I don't know if that is exactly what it is called but that is how I interpreted it. This story is about a young boy named Lewis and his parents during hurricane Katrina. They are trying to get out of New Orleans in the middle of the disaster and it really highlighted the struggle of what it was like to live there at this time. The mother is trying very hard to protect her son and they take a boat to a place where the water isn't as deep. They go to the Super Dome for protection. They also talked a lot about how sticking together as a family helped them get through the hurricane. They struggled with getting food and water and it started getting out of hand when people began panicking. They ended up getting separated from his father, but they eventually got reunited with him when he played his horn to get his attention. While they were trying to escape, they found the dog that Lewis had wanted to try and save while they were trying to flee from their home. They eventually made it back home with their new dog and lived happily ever after.
I would use this in an upper elementary classroom to teach about one of the most horrific natural disasters in American history. It would also be helpful, especially since I am from Chicago and want to return there to teach, to educate my students about natural disasters because we don't get any of them besides the very rare tornado.
I liked the illustrations, because they are representative of the theme of the story. Most of the pages are darker and use cool toned colors which is consistent with the hurricane plot.

[Maria Mascalco]

Storm Called Katrina is a beautiful book that tells the tale of a little boy who's family got uprooted by Hurricane Katrina. The story is heartbreaking because of how many hardships that the family had to face. I would consider this book realistic fiction because a lot of the things that happened are realistic to the struggles that families faced then. The book is all the more heart felt because it is told through the perspective of Louis, the little boy, thus making it relatable to children his age. I feel like this book would be the perfect thing to read when talking about natural disasters and how tough it would be from a child's perspective that is similar in age to the students in your class. This is definitely more geared towards older children because the situation in general is tough to discuss and is more mature. Also, the book uses a lot of figurative language and advanced vocabulary that would be perfect for older students. The images go perfectly with the text, adding to the somber tone of the story. The faces are drawn with precision and skill that convey how the characters are feeling and the gravity of the situation. The images also give a realistic view of the dome and the homes underwater while also blurring some details so that the focal point is always on Louis and his family. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book and feel like it would be the perfect thing for 5th graders to read after they learn about natural disasters.

[Caroline Ray]

A powerful and beautifully illustrated story about the impacts of hurricane katrina had on New Oreleans. Incorporating true pieces of information and places to strengthen readers understanding of a fictional story about a true event. A little boy and his family are forced to leave their home due to flooding and have to make it to the superdome. On their way there they find a dog that he wants to rescue badly but they can't due to not knowing their plan and the crowds. The picture of the dog on the broken piece of wood with the ball in his mouth makes me grieve like the boy did. Soon after getting there the boys dad leaves for a while and rescues the dog, but Louis doesn't think they'll they get to keep it because of the bus. Instead they go back home and keep the dog. Louis helps locate his dad in the superdome by playing his cornet in the middle of the field. I loved this book and would share it with kids age 8-12 because the story is heavy but happy and the illustrations contain a lot of detail that is important in understanding the story. This could be used in a lesson about hurricanes to give students an idea about families experiences with hurricanes.

[Raquel Nunez]

I enjoyed this book! Considering that I was part of that time in history when Hurricane Katrina hit, I can understand Louis. During his travels of the storm having to hold on to his trumpet from the flooded home. He wanted to be like Louis Armstrong. On the journey to the Super dome, everyone was waiting in lines, and Louis and his daddy got disconnected. Louis came with the bright idea that he could play the song his dad taught him to play to come back to him. It worked! His dad found him! It was a sweet story, but also with the harsh reality that many lost their homes, family members and had to rebuild or move. This is a great book to teach in class when it comes to historical events in Louisiana. A fun activity can be connected to this when it comes to the child putting themselves in Louis's place and thinking what they would do if they lost their dad. If they had to evacuate immediately, what is one thing they would bring? Then allow the child to do a show-in tell the next day to show the class and do a short discussion on why they would bring the item they chose. I would say this book presents a lot of teaching moments and great discussion on historical events.

[Alexandra Stoencheva]

"A Storm Called Katrina" tells the story of a family that had to go through the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina. Louis Daniel is only 10 years old when the hurricane comes. His family does not evacuate their home, thinking the hurricane would not effect them. When Louis's father opens the front door and water starts pouring in, they realize they are in big trouble. The family must evacuate leaving everything behind, but Louis was able to grab his horn. They begin to float on a piece of wood from someones porch. The entire neighborhood is scared, scattering, and falling apart. Louis's family floated along the water until they finally reached safety. The family, along with thousands of others, evacuated to the super dome. Myron Uhlberg does a great job of explaining all the hardships the families experienced while sitting and waiting in the super dome.

The illustrations in this book are very well done. They not only fit the story but also help tell it. The water colors are done very well and show lots of detail. I would recommend this book for any age above 2nd grade.

[Ali Gregory]

This book really captured what it was like for a family who was effected by hurricane Katrina and what they went through that day when leaving their home. The book was easy to connect to just because of the language that was used and the illustrations really helped enhance the story. They were beautifully drawn and I think that the book could have been wordless and the story still would have made sense with just the pictures because of how well they were done. The story was very well written and it really pulled at the emotions because while I was reading it I got a sense of the feeling the characters had. Typically when you are younger you have a blanket or stuffed animal that you hold onto when you are scared or frightened, but the little boy in the story had his cornet and I thought it was a really cool twist to have something different like that for the child to cling to when they got scared.

[Courtney]

A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg shows a glimpse into the story of a 10-year-old boy named Louis Daniel who hopes to play the trumpet like his inspiration, Louis Armstrong. Louis and his family lived in the neighborhood of Gentilly, Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Unfortunately, their home was destroyed by the flooding and his parents and Louis must flee with his horn. I really enjoyed reading this book because it provided readers with one family's harsh reality during the storm of Hurricane Katrina. The illustrations in this book are very powerful, detailed in order to capture a glimpse at nature’s waves and the fierce energy coming from the eye of storm. I think that this book would be best used as a read aloud for 5th grade in order to introduce a discussion on New Orleans culture and the devastating impacts of Hurricane Katrina.

[Nanell Harris]

The book, “A Storm Called Katrina,” was based on the true events of hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans in 2005. This was a devastating disaster that left thousands of people without a home to go back to. Being from New Orleans, we was somewhat lucky to get out when we did. Although I was not there physically to go through it, emotional and mentally, it was a draining experience. Reading this story brought those memories, fresh upon my mind. Louis and his horn was able to help his family during a really scary time. I heard the horrible stories about the shelters like the super-dome and the convention center after Katrina. Although Louis story is fictional, it speaks on these true events that effected many peoples lives.

[Z'Nia Morris]

It took me a hot minute to really start reading this book. Katrina was a devastating time and it hurt a lot of people. What we have to realize is that Katrina is now apart of our history and its something we will never forget. This story is a beautiful way to recap what happened on that day. Its explains the hard parts, death, peoples emotions and the shock, that people went through on that day. In that time of need and having to go to the Dome for shelter was heartbreaking, but the main thing everyone who was in that Dome got to say was I’m grateful to be alive. Louis and his family survived a traumatic event. This is a must read for someone who didn’t experience Katrina to understand what happened from a different pov. This was a lovely story.

[Jordan]

A Storm Called Katrina, is a story about 10 year old Louis Daniel and his families struggles with Hurricane Katrina. Louis's family think they are going to be okay and decide to stay in their home. When they realize how bad it really is, its almost too late. They grab what they can, Louis grabbed his horn, and they float on a piece of wood until they reach the super dome where they will wait out the rest of the storm. The illustrations in this book are awesome. They not only compliment the story well, but they also help tell it. The water colors are done very well and show lots of detail. I would recommend this book for 3rd grade and above.

[Danielle Tulp]

Awards: Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth 2011
Appropriate Age Level: 1-5 grade
Original Summary: After hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2006, Louis Daniel and his family face the aftermath of this devastating storm. This book shares on the real-life events faced by many during this time.
Original Review: This book provides dramatic pictures and descriptions of what real people faced during this time. It is a book that will touch everyone and give children a better understanding of the impact of such thing.
In-Class Uses: This book can be used to talk about a difficult time that students may be experiencing.

[Steph]

This picture book allows young readers to see the effects of climate change and the small heroisms that keep a family safe. Juxtapose this family's fortune with the loss of 1,833 lives, and this family's survival reads like a miracle.
Students can discuss the moral questions of helping animals in a crisis.
Students can discuss the reality of desperation that a crisis brings to a community.
And above all, no classroom should miss the salvation of Louis Daniel's cornet. Music is a living art in New Orleans, and all readers should discuss why it is important that Louis Daniel saved his horn.

[Madison Schumacher]

This book follows a family experiencing Hurricane Katrina from the perspective of the younger son, Luis. It explains how people thought the storm would blow over but quickly the water rose forcing people to evacuate to the Superdome, which was chaotic on its own. People were talking and arguing while resources were running low so the family had to adapt to their situation. I think this book would be most beneficial as a read-aloud if the class was talking about natural disasters or in the classroom library.

[Samantha Jenson]

Louis Daniel is forced to grow up quickly as tragedy struck the community that him and his family resided in. Hurricane Katrina caused the family to evacuate their home, and leave all their belongings behind including Louis's beloved instrument. While the family is seeking cover with hundreds of others, the father loses touch with the family. Ten year old Louis takes it upon himself to go searching for his dad.