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The Storm In The Barn (2009)

by Matt Phelan(Favorite Author)

3.73 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0763636185 (ISBN13: 9780763636180)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Candlewick Press

review 1: Phelan, M. (2009) The Storm in the Barn. Boston. Candlewick Press.School Library Journal Starred ReviewGraphic NovelThis graphic novel follows a young boy during a very difficult time in his community. The story takes place in 1937 during the infamous Dust Bowl era. The Dust Bowl was a devastating time for many communities in our country and this story shines light on the events while following the young boy name Jack on his own journey. There are themes of bullying in this book and readers will see a sense of being lonely from our main character. The story note only covers the Dust Bowl, it covers the development of courage and strength. This graphic novel would be an interesting read for older students in 5th grade and above. Students who are not normally drawn to ... moregraphic novels will also appreciate the story and illustrations. I think this book could be used during talk of the Dust Bowl in history lessons and it could also be a fun read for anyone who likes to see a character build strength and courage to overcome the odds.
review 2: This graphic novel, once opened was really interesting, educational, and entertaining. However, it took me a couple days before I opened it to begin. I had chosen it as a book that I wanted to read awhile ago, but when I finally got it just looking at the cover alone kept me from cracking it open. I'm afraid that the blue-gray scale picture and old-time feel on the cover will turn some students off from reading this graphic novel. However, if a librarian or teacher introduces this in the right way I think students will be engaged by the story. The dust jacket accurately describes it as "part tall tale rich in lore, part thriller, and part gripping historical fiction."Jack lives in Kansas in 1937 in the midst of the Dust Bowl. His family is desperate for rain in order to sustain their life on a farm. Jack is at a time in life where he is trying to grow up and help his family, but during these desperate times it is difficult to find his place. When he discovers something strange in an abandoned barn he is initially frightened away. As he realizes that it may be up to him to bring back the rain, he gathers his courage to fight the Storm King.The Author's Note at the end of the book reveals how the idea for this book began and grew in the author's mind. The power of photographs and videos from the time of the Dust Bowl are evident in the story. The use of gray-scale drawings with pops of color put the reader into a mind-set of a dry and desperate time. The colors and sound-words when the Storm King was introduced gave the story a very eerie feel. Jack's fear was evident and I internally cheered as he became determined to get the Storm King to release the rain to help his family and his town. less

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