Galveston's Summer of the Storm (Chaparral Book for Young Readers)

Rating:
Summary: A Lovely Read
Review: "Summer of the Storm" took me straight back to some of the happiest days of my life -- days reading the Little House books, and summertimes in Galveston. Julie Lake has created in Abby Kate a character who's as charming and curious as Laura Ingalls Wilder. And, like the Little House books, the setting is full of accurate historical details -- how an icebox worked, the foods people favored, the outhouse, woolen bathing suits ... even the job of providing insurance for a ship's cargo. While the book highlights the havoc wreaked by a hurricane, I would love to see a whole series based on the character and the time period -- turn of the 20th century. I'll be telling my children's school librarians and teachers about this book.

Rating:
Summary: Good historical info, good story
Review: Abby Kate must extend a visit with her grandmother in Galveston when word reaches them that her brother Will, at home in Austin, has diphtheria. She feels odd to still be on the island so late in the season. When the storm begins the idea of spray so high it "is crashing up way above the street car trestle" is exciting. Like many victims that day, Abby Kate must cling to prayer and a makeshift raft in order to live through the nightmare. Julie Lake continues the narrative through the storm's aftermath. Readers will have a good idea of how the citizens of Galveston regrouped to heal their city and go on. Lake has done her homework and the afterword includes great historical information for readers who want to know more about the subject.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting Hurricane Story
Review: I liked the setting -- Grandma Linden's house, Galveston and the beach. There was so much detail that I felt I was really there and could see it. I really liked the characters (even troublemaker Freddie!), and enjoyed their practical jokes and adventures. I was happy to experience what a hurricane is like by reading this book in the safety of my bedroom.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Adventure of the Hurricane
Review: My favorite part of the book was the storm because it was the most thrilling part of the book. I also liked the part where Freddie locked Abby Kate in the outhouse. It was a very good book and I enjoyed it.