Disasters

Guiberson, Brenda Z. 2010. DISASTERS. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 9780805081701 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-8]

REVIEW
Explore natural and man-made catastrophes through the centuries in this book that takes the reader from smallpox epidemics through the Dust Bowl to the disastrous events following Hurricane Katrina. Brenda Guiberson has selected events that changed society and highlights the warnings that these disasters provide as well as showing their effects on the human race. She provokes thoughtful questions about these events while detailing their causes and effects.

Black and white line drawings and photographs interspersed throughout the book add to the graphic nature of the disasters. Specific stories of those who evaded the disasters make the narrative even more poignant and provide a thoughtful human element. An extensive chapter by chapter bibliography and index complete the backmatter. Challenging as the book is to read, the lessons learned from the past suggest ways to create a better society for all.

CONNECTIONS
This book would make a companion book for discussing specific crisis points in U.S. history. Chapters from the book would benefit studies of the Titanic, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, or the Great Depression, among others.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books for children about famous disasters:
Sandler, Martin W. AMERICA’S GREAT DISASTERS. ISBN 9780060291082
Withington, John. DISASTER: A HISTORY OF EARTHQUAKES, FLOODS, PLAGUES, AND OTHER CATASTROPHES. ISBN 9781602397491
Castleden, Rodney. NATURAL DISASTERS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. ISBN 9780785822288

By Shirley S. Duke