The Storm
Barbara Barbieri McGrath, author
Barbara McGrath has written over twenty books for children, including The Little Red Elf, and many bestselling math concept books. She lives in Natick, Massachusetts.
Read more about Barbara.
School Library Journal
A compilation of stories and artwork by 91 children in grades K-12. Their submissions range from single-sentence descriptions, short paragraphs, and poems to black-and-white pencil sketches and paintings/drawings in other media. (Teachers and administrators also offer brief reflections.) The book is divided into four sections that parallel the disaster's time line and effects–Evacuation, Storm, Aftermath, and Hope. Stark white pages serve as a crisp backdrop for the text and the variously sized art, which attracts the eye. Readers will be moved by images and descriptions that students share: My house drowned; Shingles were falling like pancakes; Everything in life is a privilege, not a right…. I never believed that until I lost it all. The impact of the storm on the families of Biloxi and their struggles to rebuild their lives are vividly portrayed. Ultimately, the book emphasizes the resilience of children and the healing powers of art. It is also a practical means to helping the recovery efforts since a portion of the proceeds from the sales are being donated to Biloxi Public Schools.
Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-58089-172-1
Ages: 5 and up
Page count: 64
10 1/2 x 8 1/2