Resources Unit 13: Surviving Hurricane Katrina - 2005

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 By Lauren Tarshis - This is the main book for the unit.  It is required to complete the unit.  

Surviving Hurricane Katrina by Kira Freed – A well written book, with excellent photos and real survivor accounts.  This is a short book with large print, but a lot of information.   Suggested for 4^th grade and up.

10 True Tales Heroes of Hurricane Katrina by Allan Zullo – An excellent nonfiction book for 3^rd-7th grade students.  The stories in this book are astonishing and courageous; the information is factual and educational. 

Hurricane Katrina A True Book by Peter Benoit –This book is a simple read, packed with diagrams, photos, large print and good information.  Suggested for 3^rd-4^th grade.

Great Historic Disasters – Hurricane Katrina by Jamie Pietras – This is a good book to teach from.  There are some political issues in the book, that are well worth discussing – but with an older age group.  The information in this book is excellent and goes deeper than some of the others listed.  Suggested as a read aloud or for students 6^th grade and older.

Hurricane Katrina – An Interactive Modern History Adventure by Blake Hoena – These “choose your own adventure” style books are always fun for kids to read.  Everything in the book happened to real people.  Suggested for 3^rd-6^th grade.

Turning Points in US History Hurricane Katrina by Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin – I really like this book. The format is similar to a picture book with amazing photos and the print is large, but the information is more than surface.  Includes timeline and interesting facts.  Suggested for 3^rd grade and older.

Tell Me Why We Have Hurricanes by Tamra B. Orr – This is a very colorful and simple book.  Easy to read and understand.  Suggested for 2^nd-5^th grade students.

Disaster Zone Hurricanes by Cari Meister – This is a very colorful and simple book.  Easy to read and understand.  Suggested for 1^st-4th grade students.

Hurricanes by D.M. Souza – I really like this book.  It is short, but very informative. Although it is an older book, it has great photos and diagrams.  Suggested for 3^rd-6^th grade.

Hurricanes! By Marcie Aboff – This book is by First Graphics.  It is a great book for reluctant and beginning readers.  The format is a very simple comic book style. Topics include – studying hurricanes and staying safe.  Suggested for 1^st-2^nd grades.

What is a Hurricane by Robin Johnson - This is a very colorful and simple book.  Easy to read and understand.  I especially like the diagrams and extra activity suggestions in this book. Suggested for 2^nd-5^th grade students.  

Young Scientist Concepts and Projects – Astronomy by Robin Kerrod – By far one of my favorite books.  This is an excellent book for kids to read on their own and explore projects – or to do as a family with younger kids.  Build a telescope, a sundial, learn about constellations and moon movements and SO MUCH MORE.  Appropriate for independent use 4^th-7^th grades.

Astronomy Lab for Kids by Michelle Nichols – A well organized and visually appealing book.  Time requirements and supplies are at the beginning of each of the 52 activities and experiments.  Scientific explanations of the fun projects and further enrichment follow each activity.  Appropriate for grades 3-6.

More of Janice VanCleave’s Wild, Wacky and Weird Astronomy Experiments by Janice VanCleave – I really like this book.  You can’t go wrong with Janice VanCleave.  Excellent experiments.  Suggested for 2^nd-7^th grades.

Snakes on the Hunt – Sea Snakes by Gale George - This book is a simple read, packed with diagrams, photos, large print and good information.  Suggested for K-3^rd grade.

Water Moccasins by Adam G. Klein - This book is a simple read, packed with photos, large print and good information.  Suggested for 2^nd – 4^th grade.

Mardi Gras by Ann Heinrichs – This book is about the traditions of Mardi Gras.  This is a fun and colorful book.  Includes crafts and recipes.  Suggested for 3^rd-5^th grade.

Paper Craft for Mardi Gras by Randel McGee – This book explains how Mardi Gras started and includes several craft projects and templates, as well as party suggestions. Suggested for 2^nd-5^th grade.

Built Below Sea Level New Orleans by Laura Layton Strom – I really like this book.  It gives a brief overview of several topics including; history of New Orleans, geographic location, cultural diversity, Mardi Gras, jazz music, hurricanes and more.  Suggested for 4^th-6^th grades.

Ruby Bridges by Madeline Donaldson – A history story about the time of school integration in New Orleans.  Suggested for 2^nd-5^th grade.

Giants of Jazz by Studs Terkel - 13 Jazz Greats covered in Giants of Jazz:
Louis Armstrong • Count Basie • Bix Beiderbecke • John Coltrane • Duke Ellington • Dizzy Gillespie • Benny Goodman • Woody Herman • Billie Holiday • Joe Oliver • Charlie Parker • Bessie Smith • Fats Waller.  Suggested as a read aloud or for students 7^th grade and older.

Masters of Music – Jazz and Its History by Giuseppe Vigna – An excellent book to introduce children to jazz music.  Topics include history, The Blues, Spirituals, New Orleans, various styles of music, several of the greats of jazz, changes in music over time and more.  This is a colorful and informative book. Suggested for 4^th grade and older.

Video Resources

Bill Nye the Science Guys – Storms  - Suggested for 4^th grade and older.  Run Time 26 minutes.

Hurricanes by Gail Gibbons – Book on DVD, Suggested for 1^st-4^th grades.  Run Time 15 minutes.

Two Bobbies – A picture book on DVD.  A true story of Hurricane Katrina, friendship and survival.  Suggested for K-4^th grades.  Run Time approx 20 min.

Crafts and Other Resources

Laminated Hurricane Tracker Chart with Dry Erase Pen

Extreme Weather Bulletin Board Set

Tornado and Hurricane Science Kit

New Orleans Puzzles

Mardi Gras Mask Templates

Jazz Music for Kids