I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005

The radio announcer states that Hurricane Katrina is now a Category Five storm, the most severe storm category. He warns that there will be 175 miles per hour winds and 20-foot-high waves. As the announcer begins another round of warnings to flee, Barry’s mother turns off the radio, stating that the announcer is getting on her nerves.

Barry asks his mother if she is worried and she tells him no, but Barry can tell that she is lying, as she has been baking all day—something she does when she is nervous. Barry’s mom asks him to find his sister, Cleo, asking Barry to use some “Barry magic” on her as she has not seemed herself lately. Barry goes to Cleo’s room and finds her crying in bed, stating that “That lady [...] Katrina!” took her princess house away (22). Barry assures his sister that her princess house is safe in the shed so that the storm cannot get it and explains that Katrina is just “a bunch of clouds” and not a real lady (22).

Barry distracts Cleo by telling her that they are going on an adventure, and Cleo perks up, asking if Akivo is going to be going with them.