November 1, 2020
Gr 2-6-Poor narrative choices drag down the survival stories in this disappointing graphic nonfiction series. Each title contains 16 pages of comic panels divided into three or four short chapters, followed by back matter that includes a two-page explanation of the featured weather phenomenon. The main characters rarely display a knowledge of any of the safety recommendations. This lack of agency limits these narratives as useful starting points for classroom discussions; the named characters seem to have survived simply because they were lucky and were rescued. Heat Wave Horror! is the exception. The protagonist, who is a Black paramedic, treats victims of heatstroke, but she is shown disregarding her own safety in a way that is never acknowledged or addressed. A "Keep Safe" section, a glossary, an index, further reading, and online sources are included. VERDICT Not recommended.
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