I think having a map would really help readers to understand more about the scale of destruction, and even track the movements of the Curtis family throughout the book. What I didn’t like: I wish there would have been a map included in the book. It also acknowledges the people who experienced Hurricane Katrina first-hand and were essentially ignored by the government as events were unfolding. Lamana makes the dialect easy to read, and its presence really helps to cement the setting and create truly three-dimension characters. While choosing to write in a dialect can turn some readers away, I feel it is important to do especially for a book like this. The reader knows Armani’s uncertainty about her decisions, and confusion about the situation. I feel placing kids in charge and still maintaining realism is difficult thing for an author to do well, but Lamana has found a way. Armani is forced into the role of leading her family members to safety. The actions and emotions of the characters are completely believable given the circumstances. That being said, the book isn’t overwhelming in sadness and grief Lamana has created a good balance of joy and sadness. Lamana doesn’t spare the reader from the devastation and tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.
What I liked: This book is one of the most “real” realistic fiction books I’ve read that’s for children. The Curtis family needs to find dry land and get help quickly. Armani’s younger twin siblings aren’t doing well, and her grandmother Memaw is getting weaker. It’s hot and humid in the attic, and there are few supplies and provisions. The family quickly flees to the attic to escape the rising, rushing waters. Then, just as Armani’s brother Georgie is announcing that it seems there was no need for evacuation, a wall of water comes crashing through the neighborhood, heading straight for the Curtis home. The storm strength only seems to increase as the night goes on, but relief comes the next morning when the skies begin to clear. Hurricane Katrina strikes the Lower Nines of New Orleans on Armani’s birthday. Armani tries to do all she can in an effort to preserve her birthday, but Hurricane Katrina is unrelenting and ends up being more powerful than anyone imagined. But it seems as all the adults around her care about is Hurricane Katrina.
Lamana (2014)Īrmani Curtis is about to turn ten, and that’s all she can think about. Turning ten means new responsibilities and being more than just a little kid in the eyes of adults. Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie T.
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