Select language, opens an overlay

Comment

Oct 07, 2015JCLBeckyC rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
My nine-year-old read this book in one sitting, and broke into tears over the ending. She insisted I read the book, too. I'd give the book three stars (I liked it) and my kid would give it five stars (it was amazing) so I split our votes and give it four stars. I have to admit, I'm super picky. The thing that kept me from liking the book more than I did is a seemingly small but important error at the beginning of the story. Tarshis writes that Joplin is in southeastern Missouri, when in fact, it's just a couple of miles from Kansas, in southwestern Missouri. Not a big deal, but this is supposed to be a work of realistic fiction. Other than that, though, the story, based on real-life events, is gripping and rings true. Recommended for reluctant readers and kids who love thrilling stories about natural disasters. Snooty adults like me, try to overlook the geographical error, and you'll enjoy the story.