YAL graphic novel

Meghan

Brown, Don.  2015.  Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans.  New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

            Author Don Brown wrote a graphic nonfiction account of the events and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  The book was the School Library Journal’s Best of 2015, the Booklist Editor’s Choice, and received many other accolades. The pages of the novel are covered with courageous watercolor illustrations, which speak to the desperation that the people of New Orleans felt.  Brown takes us through the few days leading up to the hurricane all the way through the rebuilding of the city.  The audience learns of specific details about the storm that they may not have been aware of.  For example, only eighty percent of the over one million residents chose to evacuate the city as recommended by the major and the National Weather Service.  Of those that choose to stay in their homes, stubbornness and fear crippled them, as they learned of the magnitude of the category 5 storm.  “Water rolls down streets.  I don’t know what’s happening, but there are cars floating down the avenue.  It looks like a river.  Neighborhoods flood.  It’s gushing, gushing, gushing and we can’t open the door and then the water is up to my neck.” (p. 67) Brown also fills the pages with his belief that the recovery of the storm was mishandled by many people in charge.  He gives credit to everyday heroes as well as the Coast Guard, but faults the efforts of FEMA as well as President Bush.  The tale of the momentous storm of 2005, was filled with captivating images as well as relevant phrases to depict the complete destruction of a city.  The inspiring story offers insight into the incompetence surrounding the relief, but also the courage and selflessness of many people who risked their lives to assist those in dire need.

            I would recommend this book for upper middle school grades, high school, and adults as well.  I believe this book has the power to move all ages similarly as the muted illustrations and spare, but precise language, serve to capture the treacherous conditions and the desperation of all.  The novel was a very easy read and would lend itself well to reluctant readers as there is not much text to get lost in, but still a very powerful story.  I believe this novel would allow students to attempt to see a world outside of their own, and begin to understand that there are difficult situations going on all around them.  Students could have the opportunity to feel empathy for others, and hopefully in turn learn to emotionally connect to other people; a sometimes very difficult undertaking at an age of self-centeredness.