(4) 4-6 I Survived series. Illustrated by Scott Dawson. Hugo is excited to travel back to America with his family on the German zeppelin Hindenburg. He survives not only the airship's fateful explosion and fire but also maybe-witnesses a spy mission involving Nazis. Short, plot-driven chapters with cliffhanger endings tell a thrilling, if contrived, historical survival story. Black-and-white illustrations add atmosphere. Historical background and Hindenburg facts are appended. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 I Survived series. Illustrated by Scott Dawson. This fast-paced story about a courageous kid caught in a natural disaster is based on thorough research on a real event, providing middle-grade readers with a fictional but accurate insider's-view of what really happened. Especially effective is Tarshis's afterword explaining that Joplin is where she grew up. Black-and-white illustrations add atmosphere. A narrative timeline and information about surviving tornadoes are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 I Survived series. Illustrated by Scott Dawson. When a football concussion benches Lucas, the son of a New York City firefighter, he skips school, goes downtown to the firehouse to be with his uncle, and is caught in the devastation following the attack on the Twin Towers. The narrative is rushed, but the fast pace and short, accessible chapters will draw reluctant readers. Black-and-white illustrations add atmosphere.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 I Survived series. Illustrated by Scott Dawson. The book begins on a terrible Monday in August, 2005, with eleven-year-old Barry Tucker clinging to a tree as Hurricane Katrina ravages New Orleans. The text then backs up to tell of Barry's family's attempt to escape the city and how everyone weathered the storm. Accessible writing and fast pacing will appeal to reluctant readers. Shadowy black-and-white illustrations enhance the story.

Reviewer: Ashleigh Finn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Scott Dawson. Rosenstock describes the life of Louise Smith, one of the first women racecar drivers. Louise loved to go "Fast! Faster! Flying!" and pursued any opportunity to race. The easy-to-read text applauds the spirit and independence of a young woman in a man's sport; an appended author's note adds details. Dynamic illustrations capture the 1940s and 1950s rural setting.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 I Survived series. Illustrated by Scott Dawson. George, his sister, and their wealthy aunt sail from England on the ill-fated Titanic. When tragedy strikes, George is separated from family members but, miraculously, all survive the disaster. Though the events are contrived, reluctant readers may be drawn to this fast-paced book with short, easy-to-read chapters. Shadowy black-and-white illustrations add to the text.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg