I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005

An important motif in the text is the song “Blueberry Hill.” Address the song’s connection with the Tucker family, musically and symbolically.

What purpose does Cruz serve in the text? How does the relationship between Barry and Cruz help Barry to make decisions to secure their survival?

A theme in the text is Survival Against the Odds. How does this theme manifest in the text, and what lessons does the text offer about how characters like Barry manage to survive?

Do research on the effects of this hurricane on the community and the country at large. What impacts of Hurricane Katrina are not addressed in the text?

What critiques of the government response to Hurricane Katrina does author Lauren Tarshis include in the novel? Are there additional arguments to be made against the government’s preparation or response?

How does the phrase “One day” function in the text? What does it represent, and why is the phrase important to Barry and his family, especially after the storm?

How might mental health play a role in the lives of survivors of Hurricane Katrina?

How does this novel compare to the narratives of other books in the I Survived series? Compare and contrast the protagonists and major conflicts of each book.