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- eighth book in a historical fiction series with a time traveling dog
- based in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, focusing on one 11-year-old girl who has many close calls & difficult situations as she inches toward safety
- a higher level of intensity than the previous books in the series
- language: x2 L*rd (as a swear word)
- the Author’s Note touches on several difficult subjects (see below)
Type: chapter book
Ages: 8-12
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Kelley McMorris
Whew! This one was more intense for me, but I wonder if it was because a) I was alive during the real event and b) I was reading it when the terrible hurricanes of 2024 were happening.
It sure could provide interesting conversation if you used it as a family read-aloud! Stories like these make you immediately wonder what you would have done in the same situation. Are we prepared for emergencies? Would we be as level-headed as the main character was? Do we know our neighbors and who might need extra help in an emergency? Do we trust our Lord and Savior explicitly and know that, if we are His children, all things work for our good?
Some of the more difficult situations (in the story plus the Author’s Note) included:
- people trapped in their homes
- swimming in dangerously dirty waters
- elderly rescued but not cared for, going to the bathroom in their clothes
- pets left behind, lost forever
- mistreatment of poor people
- current situation in parts of New Orleans still showing aftermath of storm
Overall, this installment of the series was extremely well done. I would easily have given it five stars had it not used the Lord’s name in vain twice, which I mention so you can judge whether it’s still a good fit for your children. A great way to learn about this historic event!
See book thoughts on the others:
Book 1: Rescue on the Oregon Trail
Book 2: Danger in Ancient Rome
Book 3: Long Road to Freedom
Book 4: Race to the South Pole
Book 5: Journey Through Ash and Smoke
Book 6: Escape from the Great Earthquake
Book 7: D-Day
