A
Book Review by H. G. Cooke (418 words)
Author: Nan Sugg
Illustrators: Becca Huber and Lauren Pope
Title: Erin and Katrina
Publisher: Acorn Hill Press
Copyright Date: 2006 Price: $19.90
ISBN: 978-0-9788889-0-9 LC#: 2006932342
Dewey: J / SUG
Not Just Another Storm, Not Just Another
Book
Erin and Katrina is not just another story
about the terrible hurricane that struck the Gulf Coast. This
beautifully illustrated book captures the normal preparations,
anticipation, and reactions of those who live on the perimeter of
disaster. However, nothing can prepare the reader for the flood of
emotion that strikes as Erin’s family continues beyond their own
recovery to help others with needs greater than their own.
The story is about the storm from the perspective
of a little girl named Erin. Though she lives over 100 miles
inland, her family prepares for the oncoming hurricane as many
families do in the Gulf Coast states for every potential storm.
They plan to ride out the tail of the storm in darkness together
and emerge to a messy landscape that will return to normal quickly
with a little hard work. As the storm rages through the night,
Erin is concerned for the animals that scattered when a nearby
tree fell into her yard. She is assured by her parents that they
will be okay.
But this storm is different. It isn’t a near
miss. Katrina moves far inland before losing strength. Fallen
trees damage houses and knock out the phone and power. Erin helps
her family clean up the debris. She sees neighbors pitch to help
each other. She learns that many people further south have lost
their homes and wants to know how she can help.
Erin’s mother and father help her collect extra
clothes, toys, and books. They take them to the church, which has
opened a shelter for people who have escaped the devastation. She
sees strangers who have fled from the storm, leaving everything
behind. She sees familiar faces helping them find clothes, food,
and a bed. She also sees a little girl about her age, looking very
sad and afraid.
Erin’s compassion in this story is compelling as
her world of concern grows from the small creatures living in her
yard to the strangers in the shelter who have lost
everything. Although she will never know the full impact, her
small sacrifice made a big difference in the life of another.
The story is one of the few written about
Hurricane Katrina on a grade school level and contains appropriate
content for this age group. It is an excellent guide for children
about natural disasters and contributions they can make to those
in need.
