"Hurricane" by Jason Chin

My thoughts: Having lived my early years in the North Carolina coastal city of Wilmington and then remaining in central North Carolina until the present time, I can positively say that a hurricane is a storm to fear and become as knowledgeable about as possible. The destructive power generated by the wind, rain, and seas is to be feared and respected. That being said, I am pleased with the children's book Hurricane  by Jason Chin and highly recommend it to all school and public libraries, personal libraries for children, and especially for any home with children within range of a possible hurricane.

In Chin's book the modern ability of profeessionals to track the process and strength of a hurricane is clearly and simply explained for children as is the destruction and power of the storm. This is a non-fiction book that will clearly educate the weather phenomenon of a hurricane as it tells the story of one hurricane's progress. The back material details particulars about hurricans in a definitive method.

The story line while explaining how a hurrican is formed, tracked, and it's destructive power also follows the location and people where the hurricane makes landfall - Hatteras Island, North Carolina, which is at the southern end of a string of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast. This location is often hit by storms, and beach houses are susceptible to being destroyed and washed out to sea. The people of Hatteras rally to prepare for the storm and evacuate the island prior to landfall. They return to their homes after the storm passes and with determination set about restoring the area.

About the book: Caldecott and Sibert Medalist Jason Chin charts the thrilling saga of an island community’s brush with a category three hurricane, and the cutting-edge science that helps them prepare.

It’s a beautiful day on Hatteras Island, North Carolina. But while all seems calm now, a hurricane is barreling across the Atlantic, and everyone is wondering when it will hit the U.S. coast. And where.

Night and day, meteorologists use satellites to monitor the storm. Brave pilots fly directly into the tempest, dodging lightning bolts to gather crucial data. Back on the island, families board up windows, drag furniture upstairs, and stock survival kits to prepare for what may come.

From its dramatic opening, Hurricane alternates between striking maps charting the hurricane’s progress and daily life on the island.

Hurricane is at once a fascinating view into a natural disaster and a reassuring survey of the tools we use to mitigate the damage. As climate change makes hurricanes ever more destructive, this engaging and rigorous book is perfect for classrooms, and for families making their own safety plans.

Jason Chin, winner of the Caldecott Medal for Watercress (written by Andrea Wang) and the Sibert Medal for Life After Whale (written by Lynn Brunelle) combines breathtaking artwork and clear, compelling text to make Hurricane a gripping read for all ages. At the end, find even more information about hurricanes, with visual aids for deeper understanding.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.