Youth Lit Blog #6

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans

Written and Illustrated by Don Brown

Hardcover: 96 pages

Subject Headings: 

Children’s literature, History, Disasters

Appeal:

United States History, Nonfiction, Natural Disasters,21^st Century

Plot Summary:

  In this tragic picture book, we see the beautiful illustrations that help to capture the story of Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans in 2005. Brown provides us with a picture book that explores the loss and lack of action that occurred in New Orleans. From the levees breaking, FEMA’s incompetency, he efforts made to save stranded citizens, and the death toll this book heartbreakingly beautiful. I loved this book, and I think it does a wonderful job in telling New Orleans’ story. It was also very educational on how this tragic event helped to shape reform for future rescues and responses. This book is recommended for ages 12 and up, due to the morbid nature of the story. I thought this book was absolutely beautiful and made an excellent tribute to the events that tore apart New Orleans. I would recommend this book as an educational resource, or as a way to help memorialize this event.