Escape from . . . Hurricane Katrina

Ages 7 to 10, Grades 2 to 5

Hurricane Katrina was one of the most destructive storms in American history. In this fictional tale, daring twins Jo Jo and Sophie battle the raging floodwaters in a fight for their lives.

For twins Jo Jo and Sophie Dupre, Hurricane Katrina isn't the most important thing on their minds-not compared their mother's cancer treatments, Sophie's swim meet, and Jo Jo's upcoming coding competition. But when the storm intensifies and there's only one seat their aunt's car, Mom has to be the one to evacuate. The twins and their father are stuck at home in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.

The winds rise-and with them, the waves. The levees break and floodwater rages through the city. During the chaos, Jo Jo and Sophie are swept away. Together, they must find their way to the Superdome, where their father should be waiting-but can they escape the wrath of one of the deadliest storms in history?

About the Author

Judy Allen Dodson is a public librarian, archivist, and children's book author. Judy was the winner of the 2016 SCBWI On-the-Verge Emerging Voices Award and the recipient of a North Carolina Arts Council grant. She's a member of SCBWI, the regional co-ambassador for the Authors Guild, and a former member of the Coretta Scott King Archives and History Committee. Judy has a passion for celebrating diverse children's literature and teaching young children about history. Judy lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and two children. Visit her online at judyallendodson.com.