Storm Codes

by Tracy Nelson Maurer, Christina Rodriguez (illustrator)

Storm Codes presents the sights and sounds of Great Lakes shipping in the late 1960s through seven-year-old Katy's story of hope and determination. As a fierce ice storm rips through northern Minnesota, Katy and her mother wait restlessly for her father's ship to return to their harbor in Duluth. Storm Codes vividly combines historically based illustrations with nautical terms and descriptions. Katy even creates her own secret code to help bring her father home safely.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2007

About the author

Tracy Nelson Maurer has written books for children and young adults for more than 15 years. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was most interesting to my kids and me as we recently visited Duluth. Enjoyed it!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I know the author - and she rocks!

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction that will teach you a little bit about Lake Superior and the ships that traveled it. Those who have a love for that Great Lake, Duluth or all things North Shore (Minnesota) will want to share this with the young ones in their lives.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Codes is a heartwarming story, despite it's frozen setting. Tracy Nelson Maurer tells a sweet story of a young girl waiting for her father to return from the Great Lakes, and Christina Rodriguez perfectly captures the warmth of family and the bitter cold of harsh winters in Northern Minnesota. This is a gorgeous book, and I am lucky to have a copy signed by my wonderful and talented friend Christina! :)

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelson Maurer has hit her stride with Storm Codes, her first work of fiction for children. The story is set on Lake Superior, but the themes are universal. The artwork is beautiful. Highly recommended!

[Cheryl Kalberer · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Minnesota is super cold! Ha.
I love the illustrations in this book, and the great renderings of the ship.