Poster for I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005

I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 (2015) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005
Rating: 4.6 (9 reviews)
Author: Lauren Tarshis

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Barry and his family face Hurricane Katrina, a deadly disaster that destroys their house and changes their lives forever.

Middle Grade • 2015 • 112 pages • Lexile 590L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty)

by Lauren Tarshis

4.6

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

This Middle Grade historical fiction entry follows eleven-year-old Barry Tucker as his family attempts to evacuate and then survive the catastrophic flooding of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The book earns its age rating through intense descriptions of natural disaster peril, including a child being swept away by floodwaters and the death of a beloved pet, though it avoids graphic gore or profanity. It is an educational and… Sign up for the full guide

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Is I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 appropriate for kids?

Content severity in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005

Sex None 0/10

Violence Strong 5/10

Language Mild 1/10

Substances None 0/10

Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005, moment by moment

p. 5 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
p. 7 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
p. 15 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10

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Sex and nudity in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005

There is no sexual content or romantic subplots present in this story. The narrative focuses entirely on family bonds and survival during a natural disaster, keeping the tone appropriate for young readers. No physical intimacy or suggestive themes occur throughout the book. The relationship between Mom and Dad is depicted as supportive and purely focused on the safety and well-being of Barry and Cleo.

Violence and gore in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005

Moderate for the target age group. The violence is environmental and situational, involving a character falling from a rooftop into rushing water, the sight of destroyed homes, and the off-page but clear death of a dog. In Chapter 10, Dad has to use an axe with frantic intensity to prevent the family from drowning in their own attic. Barry also encounters a frightened, aggressive dog named Abe who initially poses a threat. The destruction of property is described with somber detail, emphasizing the power of the…

Language in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005

Very mild. The book contains no profanity, using only age-appropriate exclamations regarding the storm's intensity. Characters express fear and urgency through dialogue, but the vocabulary remains clean and suitable for middle-grade readers. Exclamations like 'Oh no' or 'Get up' are used to convey the high stakes. There are no insults or derogatory terms used between the characters even during the most stressful scenes.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005

There are no mentions of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in this historical fiction novel. The characters are focused on finding safety and basic necessities like clean water and food. The story maintains a clear focus on the hurricane's impact without introducing adult substance use. Even in the evacuation scenes, the focus is on the physical toll of heat and dehydration rather than any substance-related issues.

Mature themes in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005

Strong themes of family survival, the grief of losing one's home and possessions, and the specific historical context of the 2005 New Orleans disaster. The story explores the fear of separation and the weight of responsibility as Barry tries to protect his pet and himself. Readers are exposed to the reality of natural disasters and the emotional aftermath of losing a beloved animal. The concept of resilience is central as the Tuckers and their community begin the long process of recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 is best for ages 8+. This Middle Grade historical fiction entry follows eleven-year-old Barry Tucker as his family attempts to evacuate and then survive the catastrophic flooding of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The book earns its age…

What age rating does I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 is published for a Middle Grade audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.

What reading level is I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005?

I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 is 112 pages and its reading level is Lexile 590L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 8+.

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Is there sex or nudity in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005?

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Is the language in I Survived Hurricane Katrina 2005 appropriate for kids?

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