About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is experiencing anxiety about world events, natural disasters, or the fear of being separated from family. It is an ideal tool for children who process information visually and need to see resilience modeled in the face of overwhelming odds. The story follows Barry, a young boy in New Orleans whose family is forced to stay behind during Hurricane Katrina due to a sudden family illness. When the levees break, Barry is swept away from his home and must rely on his courage and the help of a stray dog to survive. While the subject matter is intense, the graphic novel format makes the high stakes feel manageable. It focuses on the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope, making it appropriate for readers aged 8 to 12 who are ready for realistic historical fiction with a happy, albeit emotional, ending.
