by Julie Smith
First published 2006
This children's nonfiction work documents how students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Willingboro, New Jersey responded to Hurricane Katrina. Smith tells the story of young people who organized a fundraising effort where each child contributed one dollar to participate in creating a human flag formation. The students raised money through this symbolic act and donated their collection to the American Red Cross for hurricane victims. The book presents their initiative as an example of humanitarian action during crisis. Smith uses this real experience to teach young readers about citizenship and helping others in times of need. The story demonstrates how children can make meaningful contributions when communities face disasters. The book emphasizes that natural catastrophes can happen without warning and shows how Americans can unite to support those affected by tragedy.
Genres: american, non-fiction, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, real-events
Setting: Willingboro, New Jersey
Period: 21st-century
36 pages · Paperback · AuthorHouse