Rating: Very GoodHarperCollins, 2008, $16.89
ISBN: 9780060000196
Age/Grade Level: Ages 9-12
A fictional account of a true disaster, and how a thirteen-year-old boy had to cope with the horrific aftermath. Hurricane Mitch hit the village of La Rupa, Honduras with a terrific fury, leaving only two houses out of twelve standing. Jose Cruz is the oldest child at home when the category 5 hurricane hits. His father and older brother and sister were away, and even his dog wasn’t home. Jose knows he must not give in to fear and be brave and strong for his mother, younger brother and sister and the remaining townspeople who depend on him. He helps dig in the mudslide for any survivors and the dead. He shares his house with villagers who lost their homes and searches for food and water. When his little brother gets sick, he tries to find a doctor. All this time, he doesn’t know if the rest of his family is dead or alive. This is a survival story where readers might learn from Jose how to find their inner strength and courage when faced with a seemingly impossible situation.
Reviewer: Patricia Campbell, Orange County Public Library/La Palma Branch
