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I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Graphic Novel #6)

Lauren Tarshis

Cover of I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Graphic Novel #6)

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Graphic Novel #6)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lauren Tarshis

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Barry thought the storm was just a big rain—but then the levees broke, and everything changed in an instant. Swept away by floodwaters, he faces the wild power of Hurricane Katrina all alone. Surviving the storm of the century isn’t just about bravery—it’s about never giving up when the world falls apart.

Quick Assessment

This graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's popular book follows a boy named Barry as he experiences the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Geared toward middle-grade readers, it balances action-driven storytelling with historical facts, including a nonfiction section with photos. Parents should know it depicts natural disaster challenges and separation but handles these themes appropriately for ages 9-12.

Why we rated I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Graphic Novel #6) 9ME

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Graphic Novel #6) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Graphic Novel #6) works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Graphic Novel #6) as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.

Thematically, I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Graphic Novel #6) explores adventure, historical, science & nature, survival, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
  • Kids drawn to stories about adventure, historical, science & nature.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

160 pages
ISBN
9781338766967
Pages
160
Publisher
Graphix
Published
2022
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Comics & Graphic NovelsAction & AdventureHistoricalScience & NatureDisastersFloodsHurricane Katrina, 2005HurricanesSurvival SkillsAfrican AmericansSurvivalAfrican American FamiliesHurricane Katrinafastfst01755264New Orleans