Hurricane

Gr 1-4–Heart-pounding drama, detailed scientific information, and Chin’s stellar illustrations make this a thoroughly compelling read. From the opening pages readers will begin to feel the presence of the impending storm as first a buoy far out in the Atlantic Ocean registers wind speeds of 85 miles per hour as the ocean swells. Using Cape Hatteras, NC, as the human focal point of the story, readers connect with the local residents as they enjoy a summer at the beach. Chin follows the development of the hurricane from its beginning as a group of thunderstorms off the coast of Africa, while the residents of Cape Hatteras follow its progress through forecasts and weather updates. Thoroughly researched and well-presented information highlights scientists and their work, from the National Hurricane Center staff to the brave pilots and scientists that fly into the storms. The arrival of the hurricane is captured in energized illustrations: storm surge and wind, with realistic touches of breaking branches where children recently played and a cat refuses to leave (but survives the powerful storm). The captivating spread showing the eye of the storm passing overhead, contrasting what came before and the remainder of the storm that follows soon after. Detailed illustrations with precise labels and additional text at the end of the book provide bonus learning opportunities along with suggestions for further reading and a bibliography.