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Hurricane
The powerful story of a boy's fear and courage in the face of a force of nature too huge to even imagine. Based on Hurricane Mitch's devastation of Honduras in 1998, Terry Trueman's acclaimed Hurricane is a gripping, realistic story told from the perspective of a hurricane survivor. After hours of cowering in the dark with no lights, no warmth, and the terrible noises of the rain and wind pounding on the walls, José walks out his front door and steps into a nightmare. Everything is gone. Everything except for the desperate courage of those who survived that terrifying night. But his nightmare has only begun as he and the few who are left in his small village dig for survivors, search for food and water, and try to start pulling their lives back together.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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July 7, 2022
Quote
There is something worse than gone, and that is not knowing, maybe never knowing where your loved ones are.
What could be worse than gone?
Never knowing.
My Review
This is a young adult novel, or possibly for even younger readers, tween age. Hurricane Mitch was a natural disaster in Honduras and other areas of Central America in 1998. While this novel is fiction the hurricane and its effects were very real. There is a very powerful message behind this novel as it helps to allow readers to understand the physical and mental after effects of natural disasters.
This is a short novel, which has some very powerful moments which are brought to life with the good writing, bringing the reader into the novel and makes you feel like you are in the small village living among the community, the main protagonist is 13 year old Jose who lives with his family who suddenly has to grow up really fast and take on many tasks that most 13 year olds do not experience in their lives, but there is also a huge sense of community, loss and sadness. This is not a happy novel, but at least there is not a sad ending as things work out fine for Jose and his family.
As this is such a short novel it is fast paced, with plenty of emotion and things happening, some tense moments, sad moments and at the end, happy moments even though the future is uncertain.
I can recommend this book to younger readers interested in knowing the after effects of natural disasters.
I am giving this book 4 stars. The next country we are visiting is Sweden. See you in the next country.
There is something worse than gone, and that is not knowing, maybe never knowing where your loved ones are.
What could be worse than gone?
Never knowing.
My Review
This is a young adult novel, or possibly for even younger readers, tween age. Hurricane Mitch was a natural disaster in Honduras and other areas of Central America in 1998. While this novel is fiction the hurricane and its effects were very real. There is a very powerful message behind this novel as it helps to allow readers to understand the physical and mental after effects of natural disasters.
This is a short novel, which has some very powerful moments which are brought to life with the good writing, bringing the reader into the novel and makes you feel like you are in the small village living among the community, the main protagonist is 13 year old Jose who lives with his family who suddenly has to grow up really fast and take on many tasks that most 13 year olds do not experience in their lives, but there is also a huge sense of community, loss and sadness. This is not a happy novel, but at least there is not a sad ending as things work out fine for Jose and his family.
As this is such a short novel it is fast paced, with plenty of emotion and things happening, some tense moments, sad moments and at the end, happy moments even though the future is uncertain.
I can recommend this book to younger readers interested in knowing the after effects of natural disasters.
I am giving this book 4 stars. The next country we are visiting is Sweden. See you in the next country.
May 6, 2008
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
With HURRICANE, author Terry Trueman brings to life in vivid detail the almost complete devastation of 1998's Hurricane Mitch on Honduras.
In the tiny village of La Rupa, there are only a handful of homes. One of those, at one end of town, is the house of Jose and his family: his mother and father, older brother and sister Victor and Ruby, and younger siblings Maria, Angela, and Juan. There is also their dog, Berti, who can sometimes be persuaded to do more than lie around in the sun.
La Rupa is the type of place where everyone knows one another; there is no way to avoid it, since the village is so small. Jose, who attends school at the bilingual International School in nearby San Pedro Sula, is pretty much the only person in the town who can speak both Spanish and English fluently.
In September 1998, La Rupa literally comes to a standstill when Hurricane Mitch destroys the town. After a deadly mudslide, the fifty-plus population of La Rupa is chillingly reduced to only a little over twenty. And Jose's father, brother Victor, and sister Ruby are missing, having been on the road traveling when the Hurricane hit.
In this vivid and fast-paced narrative, Mr. Trueman takes us through the days immediately following Mitch's destruction. As a lack of food and water begins to haunt the survivors, Jose is part of a group who must search the nearby trucha for supplies. And when little Juan falls ill, it is again up to the teenage Jose to venture out into the mud and muck to attempt to make his way to San Pedro Sula to find help.
HURRICANE is a vivid, fast-moving story that even younger readers will find themselves immersed in, as they struggle right along with Jose in learning to survive with next to nothing. The emotions he feels, as he worries about his family's fate, both those missing and still at home, will grip readers of all ages.
The author's note at the end of the book states that more than 5,000 people were initially killed in Honduras during the Hurricane. In the months that followed, bodies of the more than 8,000 missing individuals were also found. Even now, in 2008, the clean-up and recovery period in Honduras is still ongoing. This is one book that brings to life a plight of many that most of us never even knew about.
With HURRICANE, author Terry Trueman brings to life in vivid detail the almost complete devastation of 1998's Hurricane Mitch on Honduras.
In the tiny village of La Rupa, there are only a handful of homes. One of those, at one end of town, is the house of Jose and his family: his mother and father, older brother and sister Victor and Ruby, and younger siblings Maria, Angela, and Juan. There is also their dog, Berti, who can sometimes be persuaded to do more than lie around in the sun.
La Rupa is the type of place where everyone knows one another; there is no way to avoid it, since the village is so small. Jose, who attends school at the bilingual International School in nearby San Pedro Sula, is pretty much the only person in the town who can speak both Spanish and English fluently.
In September 1998, La Rupa literally comes to a standstill when Hurricane Mitch destroys the town. After a deadly mudslide, the fifty-plus population of La Rupa is chillingly reduced to only a little over twenty. And Jose's father, brother Victor, and sister Ruby are missing, having been on the road traveling when the Hurricane hit.
In this vivid and fast-paced narrative, Mr. Trueman takes us through the days immediately following Mitch's destruction. As a lack of food and water begins to haunt the survivors, Jose is part of a group who must search the nearby trucha for supplies. And when little Juan falls ill, it is again up to the teenage Jose to venture out into the mud and muck to attempt to make his way to San Pedro Sula to find help.
HURRICANE is a vivid, fast-moving story that even younger readers will find themselves immersed in, as they struggle right along with Jose in learning to survive with next to nothing. The emotions he feels, as he worries about his family's fate, both those missing and still at home, will grip readers of all ages.
The author's note at the end of the book states that more than 5,000 people were initially killed in Honduras during the Hurricane. In the months that followed, bodies of the more than 8,000 missing individuals were also found. Even now, in 2008, the clean-up and recovery period in Honduras is still ongoing. This is one book that brings to life a plight of many that most of us never even knew about.
May 22, 2018
Personal Response
I enjoyed the book, Hurricane by Terry Trueman, because it showed what needed to happen in survival situations. That is what kept me wanting to read it. I often found myself reading the book and not wanting to put it down. I can relate to the character, Jose, because when it came to his survival instinct I would say I have many of the same attributes.
Plot
In the beginning of the book, Jose and his brother are taking down an old barbecuer. The whole city of 12 families comes to see this happen, because it is a very big deal. Nothing eventful happens in La Rupa, the little town Jose lives in. Jose’s father and brother leave to go to a close town when a hurricane hits, causing a mudslide. The mudslide wipes out all of the houses in the town except for Jose's house. Jose’s little brother, Juan, suddenly gets very sick. Jose knows what he needs to do, so he goes on a mission to get a doctor at a nearby town. While he is on his mission, he hears something moving around in the bushes. Jose thinks it is a jaguar, but it is actually his dog: Berti. He continues on his mission to find a doctor and runs into a rushing river. Right as he goes to cross the river, three trucks rush across the river. He catches their attention so they stop. The three trucks stop and tell him they are looking for the city of La Rupa. That is the hometown of Jose. Finally, help has arrived after the hurricane.
Characterization
Jose is the main character in the book. He evolves throughout the book by becoming a man. In the beginning of the book, he is a little kid that loves to play soccer and play with action figures. In the middle of the book, he is sent on a mission of his life. When he takes this mission, he realizes he is now a man and has to do what needs to be done.
The other character is the hurricane. This character is not an actual character but a storm. This character basically is what causes all of the trouble for Jose. If the storm had not happened the mudslide would not have happened. The mudslide took out the city making Jose get help for his city and brother.
Setting
The main setting in the book is La Rupa, Honduras. This is a key setting because that is where Jose lives. This is also where the mudslide took place, wiping out the city. The book takes place in present time. The season the book takes place in is the end of summer.
Thematic Relations
The main theme in the book is Appearance vs. Reality, because Jose has the appearance of just being a little kid enjoying his summer. Reality is that he is a man who steps up to the plate when the time calls. He makes the decision to help his brother, because he is sick. He makes the decision to go, because he knows if he doesn't go get help no one will and his brother will die.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to any middle schooler or older. The reading level was appropriate, so they could comprehend what was going on easily. I would also recommend this to either boy or girl, because I think both would be able to relate with the fact of survival. There were also boys and girls in the book, so they could relate to the characters. I would rate this a four out of five stars.
I enjoyed the book, Hurricane by Terry Trueman, because it showed what needed to happen in survival situations. That is what kept me wanting to read it. I often found myself reading the book and not wanting to put it down. I can relate to the character, Jose, because when it came to his survival instinct I would say I have many of the same attributes.
Plot
In the beginning of the book, Jose and his brother are taking down an old barbecuer. The whole city of 12 families comes to see this happen, because it is a very big deal. Nothing eventful happens in La Rupa, the little town Jose lives in. Jose’s father and brother leave to go to a close town when a hurricane hits, causing a mudslide. The mudslide wipes out all of the houses in the town except for Jose's house. Jose’s little brother, Juan, suddenly gets very sick. Jose knows what he needs to do, so he goes on a mission to get a doctor at a nearby town. While he is on his mission, he hears something moving around in the bushes. Jose thinks it is a jaguar, but it is actually his dog: Berti. He continues on his mission to find a doctor and runs into a rushing river. Right as he goes to cross the river, three trucks rush across the river. He catches their attention so they stop. The three trucks stop and tell him they are looking for the city of La Rupa. That is the hometown of Jose. Finally, help has arrived after the hurricane.
Characterization
Jose is the main character in the book. He evolves throughout the book by becoming a man. In the beginning of the book, he is a little kid that loves to play soccer and play with action figures. In the middle of the book, he is sent on a mission of his life. When he takes this mission, he realizes he is now a man and has to do what needs to be done.
The other character is the hurricane. This character is not an actual character but a storm. This character basically is what causes all of the trouble for Jose. If the storm had not happened the mudslide would not have happened. The mudslide took out the city making Jose get help for his city and brother.
Setting
The main setting in the book is La Rupa, Honduras. This is a key setting because that is where Jose lives. This is also where the mudslide took place, wiping out the city. The book takes place in present time. The season the book takes place in is the end of summer.
Thematic Relations
The main theme in the book is Appearance vs. Reality, because Jose has the appearance of just being a little kid enjoying his summer. Reality is that he is a man who steps up to the plate when the time calls. He makes the decision to help his brother, because he is sick. He makes the decision to go, because he knows if he doesn't go get help no one will and his brother will die.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to any middle schooler or older. The reading level was appropriate, so they could comprehend what was going on easily. I would also recommend this to either boy or girl, because I think both would be able to relate with the fact of survival. There were also boys and girls in the book, so they could relate to the characters. I would rate this a four out of five stars.
March 10, 2021
I read this book for an Around the World Reading Challenge.
Hurricane is a story about Hurricane Mitch and it's devastation told from the POV of a Honduran boy, Jose. When they first hear of the Hurricane coming, Jose's family doesn't think very much of it because their village, La Rupa, never gets hit badly during storms. However, that all changes with Hurricane Mitch. The storm creates a mudslide which wipes out all but 2 houses in the village of La Rupa, one of them Jose's. To make matters worse, Jose's father, brother, sister, and dog Berti have been missing since before the storm even began. This leaves 12-year-old Jose as the oldest boy in his house and he must take on the responsibility of caring for his pueblo, finding food, getting water, and keeping everyone healthy.
This book really resonated with me. I have lived in Central Florida all my life and I'm no stranger to hurricanes and how devastating they can be. I can remember in 2004, 4 different hurricanes directly impacted my home in the span of 6 weeks: Hurricane Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. Much like Jose, I was only a child when these Hurricanes devastated my home. I can remember my mother putting all our mattresses in our hallway because it was the safest spot in our house that we could sleep in. I remember going to stay in another house because we knew our home wouldn't be safe enough for the next hurricane. I remember not having power during the storm and my father cooked a god awful pizza on a gas burner. When we came home, a giant oak tree had fallen on our house, denting in the ceiling and making it practically impossible to get inside. Much like in Jose's story, we had to come together with our neighbors to clear the roads with chainsaws and to get the tree off our house. Hurricanes are extremely humbling and unpredictable. The lingering effects of them can go on for years. You never realize how much you rely on electricity and water until you don't have them for weeks, sometimes months.
I feel like Terry Trueman did a great job portraying these aspects of what it is like to deal with natural disasters and the aftermath that follows. This was a very sad story but it also radiated hope. After reading this book, it made me realize even further how lucky we are in the United States when it comes to dealing with natural disasters. We have many resources that are there to help us and rebuilding is always an option. For people in countries like Honduras, Haiti, and Puerto Rico they aren't as lucky. As an adult, it makes me feel all the more inspired to donate to programs that do help with Natural Disaster Relief because ultimately the strongest resource we have is people.
Hurricane is a story about Hurricane Mitch and it's devastation told from the POV of a Honduran boy, Jose. When they first hear of the Hurricane coming, Jose's family doesn't think very much of it because their village, La Rupa, never gets hit badly during storms. However, that all changes with Hurricane Mitch. The storm creates a mudslide which wipes out all but 2 houses in the village of La Rupa, one of them Jose's. To make matters worse, Jose's father, brother, sister, and dog Berti have been missing since before the storm even began. This leaves 12-year-old Jose as the oldest boy in his house and he must take on the responsibility of caring for his pueblo, finding food, getting water, and keeping everyone healthy.
This book really resonated with me. I have lived in Central Florida all my life and I'm no stranger to hurricanes and how devastating they can be. I can remember in 2004, 4 different hurricanes directly impacted my home in the span of 6 weeks: Hurricane Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. Much like Jose, I was only a child when these Hurricanes devastated my home. I can remember my mother putting all our mattresses in our hallway because it was the safest spot in our house that we could sleep in. I remember going to stay in another house because we knew our home wouldn't be safe enough for the next hurricane. I remember not having power during the storm and my father cooked a god awful pizza on a gas burner. When we came home, a giant oak tree had fallen on our house, denting in the ceiling and making it practically impossible to get inside. Much like in Jose's story, we had to come together with our neighbors to clear the roads with chainsaws and to get the tree off our house. Hurricanes are extremely humbling and unpredictable. The lingering effects of them can go on for years. You never realize how much you rely on electricity and water until you don't have them for weeks, sometimes months.
I feel like Terry Trueman did a great job portraying these aspects of what it is like to deal with natural disasters and the aftermath that follows. This was a very sad story but it also radiated hope. After reading this book, it made me realize even further how lucky we are in the United States when it comes to dealing with natural disasters. We have many resources that are there to help us and rebuilding is always an option. For people in countries like Honduras, Haiti, and Puerto Rico they aren't as lucky. As an adult, it makes me feel all the more inspired to donate to programs that do help with Natural Disaster Relief because ultimately the strongest resource we have is people.
September 26, 2017
This is an interesting read for the tween set.
With the earthquake in Mexico and hurricane Harvey and Irma causing so much destruction this September it was great to see the perspective on a natural disaster from that of a boy living through the experience and its aftermath.
Jose gives us a view at how scary it is to live through something like a hurricane and landslide. The book has good examples of how people can find the strength to do what they have to and band together for survival.
There are cultural references in the book that are a window into the way people that live in a small Honduran village might think. The time period is 2003 (you know this because it is base on a real hurricane) but the book doesn't seem to have any references that make it seem dated. Poor is poor no matter what decade you live in.
The book really made me think more about contributing to international aid organization. I sent off money to Shelter Box that provides tents and supplies to places all over the world that suffer from natural disasters that wipe out the buildings in whole villages. The story makes the reader imagine what it might be like for your whole neighborhood to be living in your house when your house is the only one left standing. Shelter for all the families is really needed.
With the earthquake in Mexico and hurricane Harvey and Irma causing so much destruction this September it was great to see the perspective on a natural disaster from that of a boy living through the experience and its aftermath.
Jose gives us a view at how scary it is to live through something like a hurricane and landslide. The book has good examples of how people can find the strength to do what they have to and band together for survival.
There are cultural references in the book that are a window into the way people that live in a small Honduran village might think. The time period is 2003 (you know this because it is base on a real hurricane) but the book doesn't seem to have any references that make it seem dated. Poor is poor no matter what decade you live in.
The book really made me think more about contributing to international aid organization. I sent off money to Shelter Box that provides tents and supplies to places all over the world that suffer from natural disasters that wipe out the buildings in whole villages. The story makes the reader imagine what it might be like for your whole neighborhood to be living in your house when your house is the only one left standing. Shelter for all the families is really needed.
Read
April 1, 2021Trueman strains credulity in his fictional recounting of the devastation wrought upon Honduras by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. The first-person narrator is 13-year-old Jose Cruz whose family lives in a typically small but close-knit village. One very rainy day his older sister, father and much-idolized older brother make the 17-mile drive to the main business area. As the storm worsens, Jose and the rest of the family hear the radio announcement that the storm is now a Category 5 hurricane. While Jose and Mama pretend their missing family members are fine, a mudslide obliterates every house in the village—except the Cruz’s and one other one. Many friends have died. Jose and others organize the many necessary and gruesome tasks for continuing survival. Still, Jose’s younger brother nearly dies from an infection due to conditions. After five days of uncertainty, Trueman reunites every member of the Cruz family, including the family dog, to survive—thus, ending things quite tidily. Reluctant readers may enjoy the plot-driven story of continual peril, but it probably won’t leave any lasting impression.
November 2, 2018
This book is great for a real life experience. Hurricane Mitch was no joke in 1998, and every detail mentioned in the book is true. The rustic, old style town featured a boy who had to take on the hurricane itself, trying to find help for his little brother who became sick from the muddy water. A mudslide also happened, which caused Jose and his family to live with barely any food, and muddy, dirty water from rainwater. Half of his little town were dead. Jose's house was the only one that survived. The half that lived had to stay in the house that Jose was in. Many became sick, and Jose and his neighbors looked in one of the neighbors food stand, and dug out many cans of corn, water, and other goods to live on. Both owners were dead, but the alive families needed food.
This book is great for someone who likes suspense and adventure. I would recommend this for someone who wants some more insight as to what it would be like to be in a hurricane. I finished the book in one day, since I couldn't put it down. It was so attention grabbing, and was amazing!
This book is great for someone who likes suspense and adventure. I would recommend this for someone who wants some more insight as to what it would be like to be in a hurricane. I finished the book in one day, since I couldn't put it down. It was so attention grabbing, and was amazing!
February 9, 2018
Trueman, Terry Hurricane, 144 p. HarperCollins, 2008. Language - PG.
Back in 1998, a killer hurricane struck the country of Honduras and wreaked havoc up and down the coast and further inland than the people have ever seen. José and his family live in a tiny village and disaster is about the strike. How many people in their village will be alive by morning and how will they be able to survive the next few days, let alone rebuild.
As poignant as José's plight is, I can only hope that America kids will respond to his world, even if it is so different from what they know. There are a handful of swears, but it all fits together. This would be a good read-aloud option if you need something short. I especially liked the speedy response from the Honduran government - it's a nice contrast to the after math of Hurricane Katrina.
EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...
Back in 1998, a killer hurricane struck the country of Honduras and wreaked havoc up and down the coast and further inland than the people have ever seen. José and his family live in a tiny village and disaster is about the strike. How many people in their village will be alive by morning and how will they be able to survive the next few days, let alone rebuild.
As poignant as José's plight is, I can only hope that America kids will respond to his world, even if it is so different from what they know. There are a handful of swears, but it all fits together. This would be a good read-aloud option if you need something short. I especially liked the speedy response from the Honduran government - it's a nice contrast to the after math of Hurricane Katrina.
EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...
January 20, 2026
Used this book for Prompt #9 --A natural disaster. This a fictional story about the hurricane
Mitch that devastated Honduras in 1998. This the story of Jose Cruz, a teenager who takes on as the
family leader role as his small town has been destroyed by a mudslide. His small house and a shack
at the other end of street are all that is left. Over half of the friends and neighbors in town have died.
His father, brother and sister were gone from the town when the hurricane and now they don't
know if they survived or not. It is an interesting story.
Hurricane Mitch initially killed 5000 people, in the months following many bodies of the 8000 missing people were found and the rest are assumed to be dead. Mitch was the worst storm in
the Caribbean in 200 years.
Mitch that devastated Honduras in 1998. This the story of Jose Cruz, a teenager who takes on as the
family leader role as his small town has been destroyed by a mudslide. His small house and a shack
at the other end of street are all that is left. Over half of the friends and neighbors in town have died.
His father, brother and sister were gone from the town when the hurricane and now they don't
know if they survived or not. It is an interesting story.
Hurricane Mitch initially killed 5000 people, in the months following many bodies of the 8000 missing people were found and the rest are assumed to be dead. Mitch was the worst storm in
the Caribbean in 200 years.
September 5, 2019
A good book for middle schoolers about Hurricane Mitch that hit Honduras in the late 90’s. It is the story of a family, whose entire neighborhood was wiped out. It tells of how they survived and how they overcame things like a lack of water, open sewers, and sickness, while part of their family is missing. A good story.
February 6, 2020
I am going to use this as my read aloud for our weather unit. Could also be used as mentor text for personal narrative. Tells the story of a 13 year-old boy from a village in Honduras that gets wiped out by Hurricane Mitch. Deals a lot with the aftermath of the hurricane such as finding food and water, death of neighbors and loved ones, broken sewers, and UN doctors.
January 16, 2024
I am so thankful for this story. I lived in Honduran for a little over a year and came to love the people, but there is so much I still do not know or understand. This story helped me understand Hondurans a little better. It is a heart-wrenching story, but also full of hope and the power of love for family and community.
May 20, 2023
This was a short and easy read. Jose is a kid whose village is impacted by a hurricane and a mudslide. His family is separated at the time of the storm so we are unsure if they are alive or dead until the end of the book. It’s written for younger readers and therefore went by fast.
May 5, 2025
Another middle school read.
I have played in hurricanes as a kid. Glad I never experienced this level of destruction.
I have played in hurricanes as a kid. Glad I never experienced this level of destruction.
March 15, 2017
Poor Jose and his family go through a major ordeal during and after Hurricane Mitch hits Honduras. The family is fictional, but the story was repeated over and over throughout Honduras. Jose is barely a teenager, but he is forced to grow up quickly and be the man of the family in this time of crisis. He grows and changes and it's beautiful how he changes and steps up. When another character comes to the village and asks where it went, he knows the answer is "We are the pueblo." That is a lovely sentiment. As long as the people of the town are alive, then the town is alive. :)
February 3, 2021
May 2018
I read this book for the first time with a group of students this May, a group that included several VERY reluctant readers. Everyone read the whole book. And they LOVED IT! (My two most reluctant readers even finished it before the due date!) They loved that the action started right at the beginning. They loved that the problems and tension kept mounting exponentially throughout the book. They loved that the chapters (and the book) were short. They loved that the book was brutally honest about what life is like in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane.
This is a book I will definitely read again with students - either as a book club or as part of a larger unit on survival/natural disasters! It's just great!
******************************************
July 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I am really coming to enjoy and appreciate "novelized-nonfiction" - does that make sense? Is it a thing? Books like "A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story" and "Never Fall Down" - books that place a fictional character within the world of a real event.
This book is short enough that it could be read by a class as part of a larger unit or as a fictional pairing with a nonfiction work like "Bodies From the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii (Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12" or a YA book about Hurricane Katrina (if anyone knows of a good nonfiction work about Hurricane Katrina, I'd love to hear about it!).
I read this book for the first time with a group of students this May, a group that included several VERY reluctant readers. Everyone read the whole book. And they LOVED IT! (My two most reluctant readers even finished it before the due date!) They loved that the action started right at the beginning. They loved that the problems and tension kept mounting exponentially throughout the book. They loved that the chapters (and the book) were short. They loved that the book was brutally honest about what life is like in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane.
This is a book I will definitely read again with students - either as a book club or as part of a larger unit on survival/natural disasters! It's just great!
******************************************
July 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I am really coming to enjoy and appreciate "novelized-nonfiction" - does that make sense? Is it a thing? Books like "A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story" and "Never Fall Down" - books that place a fictional character within the world of a real event.
This book is short enough that it could be read by a class as part of a larger unit or as a fictional pairing with a nonfiction work like "Bodies From the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii (Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12" or a YA book about Hurricane Katrina (if anyone knows of a good nonfiction work about Hurricane Katrina, I'd love to hear about it!).
July 1, 2010
This story takes place in Honduras during Hurricane Mitch, a category 5 hurricane that wreaked havoc throughout the Caribbean in 1998. Jose lives with his family in a small (10 families) inland village. The hurricane strikes while Jose's father, brother Victor, and sister Ruby, are away. A mudslide wipes out all the houses in the village except for Jose's and another. Jose, a teenager, finds himself having to "be the man" even though he doesn't feel ready for the role, as he helps with rescue efforts and organizes the search for food and water. Trueman vividly portrays, on a village scale, what happened all over Honduras at that time. Significantly, the mudslides probably would not have occurred if the forest in the hills above the village hadn't been thinned by logging. What I don't understand is why they didn't have warning of the hurricane, so that they could board up their windows, save water and food, and other preparations. Jose's sister had a radio, and at least one other villager had a television set. The government must have known, and I would have thought they'd have sent out warnings via all the media. Did people really not know, or was this a detail overlooked by Trueman? Nonetheless, this was a gripping story of survival and a heartwarming coming-of-age story. Recommended!
November 4, 2016
In the book "Hurricane" by Terry Trueman is a fictional book. When I first looked at the cover of the book, I thought that this looked like a really good book. It turns out that once I have read it that it is a very good book. I really liked the part on Jose was trying to help his little brother when he was sick after the whole hurricane had went down and the town was all damaged and wrecked. Jose was trying to go find the nearest doctor in another town 13 miles away from his hometown, La Rupa, and was trying to find people to help his town. I liked this part because Jose was doing his best to find help for his town that really needed help in this tough time. Jose didn't know where his brother, dad, or sister was and he was trying to find help because he knew that is what his brother and dad would do. I also liked the part when Jose was reunited with his whole family and the story that his dad told him about when they were stuck in the hurricane. I thought that his dad's story was pretty cool because his dad told me about what had happened and all of the other things that had went down in the hurricane. I really like this book and I would recommend this book to anyone that would like to read about natural disasters. The author has a good way of explaining everything to the reader.
June 17, 2008
This short novel (134 pages) makes a powerful punch, as 13-year-old Jose Cruz is forced to grow up fast and take charge after Hurricane Mitch slams his pueblo in Honduras. With his father and older brother missing, Jose must lead the rescue effort for survivors of his small town of 50-some people. In this first person narrative, he struggles to come to terms with his emotions as he finds dead bodies, worries about the lack of food and fresh water for survivors, and anguishes over his unaccounted for father and older siblings. Will help come? And if it does, will it come too late?
This is a fast paced read that should attract reluctant readers, especially boys who like action. Also, the mystery of his missing family keeps readers going. The language is accessible, even though there are some Spanish words interspersed here and there. It puts a spotlight on an event and a part of the world that many young people are unfamiliar with. The author's note at the end provides a few facts on the devastation wrought by Hurricane Mitch in Central America.
This is a fast paced read that should attract reluctant readers, especially boys who like action. Also, the mystery of his missing family keeps readers going. The language is accessible, even though there are some Spanish words interspersed here and there. It puts a spotlight on an event and a part of the world that many young people are unfamiliar with. The author's note at the end provides a few facts on the devastation wrought by Hurricane Mitch in Central America.
November 17, 2008
Everything seems to be going well for José and his small family living in a remote village in Hondorus in 1998. José's biggest concern is worrying about whether he can squeeze in some time to play soccer. The good times all change as Hurricane Mitch comes blowing through, causing a massive mudslide that buries almost the whole village. The only two houses still standing are the one he shares with his family and a jury-rigged hut on the other side of the village.
Thirteen-year-old José is forced to grow up as he helps his family and community recover. It will be difficult until help arrives from the outside world. Unfortunately, they cannot wait, and everyone will have to start digging for the things they need.
This is a really short book, but it really draws the reader into the horrors experienced by those who survived Hurricane Mitch's havoc in 1998. José grows as a person and starts to become a man as he is forced to grow up while dealing with the horrors he and his family are now facing.
Thirteen-year-old José is forced to grow up as he helps his family and community recover. It will be difficult until help arrives from the outside world. Unfortunately, they cannot wait, and everyone will have to start digging for the things they need.
This is a really short book, but it really draws the reader into the horrors experienced by those who survived Hurricane Mitch's havoc in 1998. José grows as a person and starts to become a man as he is forced to grow up while dealing with the horrors he and his family are now facing.
August 28, 2016
This novel is a very quick and eye-opening read. It’s based on a real-life disaster, Hurricane Mitch, which killed thousands of people in Central America in 1998.
Just as in real-life disasters halfway around the world, for me, the people who die in this story register more as statistics than flesh and blood. 13-year-old José survives the disaster, and shares plenty of names of now-dead neighbors from his devastated village, along with glimpses of what they meant to him. But his own post-disaster adventures and emotions carry all the impact. I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the details, but the plot seems believable, except in a few details. One of those details is the climax. Without giving too much away, it’s hard for me to envision what must have happened to the rest of the boy’s family.
Just as in real-life disasters halfway around the world, for me, the people who die in this story register more as statistics than flesh and blood. 13-year-old José survives the disaster, and shares plenty of names of now-dead neighbors from his devastated village, along with glimpses of what they meant to him. But his own post-disaster adventures and emotions carry all the impact. I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the details, but the plot seems believable, except in a few details. One of those details is the climax. Without giving too much away, it’s hard for me to envision what must have happened to the rest of the boy’s family.
December 18, 2014
I wanted to read this book because it seems to have a suspense scene in it. The title picture also looks cool; so it fits the story. It is a Historical-Fiction genre. This is a really short book (134 pages), but it really draws the reader into the horrors experienced by those who survived Hurricane Mitch's havoc.
Jose Cruz is a thirteen-year-old boy is living in Honduras in 1998. Everything seems to be going well for Jose and his small family living in a remote village. Jose's biggest concern is worrying about whether he can squeeze in some time to play soccer. The good times all change as Hurricane Mitch comes blowing through, causing a massive mudslide that buries almost the whole village. He is one of the survivors after the storm. I rated it a 3/5 and recommend it to boys who like action. I'll be back with another review. Have fun reading readers! >:D
Jose Cruz is a thirteen-year-old boy is living in Honduras in 1998. Everything seems to be going well for Jose and his small family living in a remote village. Jose's biggest concern is worrying about whether he can squeeze in some time to play soccer. The good times all change as Hurricane Mitch comes blowing through, causing a massive mudslide that buries almost the whole village. He is one of the survivors after the storm. I rated it a 3/5 and recommend it to boys who like action. I'll be back with another review. Have fun reading readers! >:D
February 16, 2009
A young boy forced to become somewhat of a man before he is ready. However he lives up to the task and "grows up" as the situation around him demands action. The worst natural disaster that Honduras has seen in 200, (since George Washington was president) has changed life as he knows it and made everything around him a challenge. Family, friends and responsibilities drive each step and action. Death, destruction and illness everywhere but still there is hope.
I found it a good story but bits were a little repetitive and sometimes the main character seemed far younger than he actually was. Even though the trials and tasks he faced were very important and dangerous his thoughts were somewhat childish. I suppose that was because he IS a child being forced to become an adult.
I found it a good story but bits were a little repetitive and sometimes the main character seemed far younger than he actually was. Even though the trials and tasks he faced were very important and dangerous his thoughts were somewhat childish. I suppose that was because he IS a child being forced to become an adult.
October 17, 2011
Jose lives in a small town, La Rupa, in Honduras. He comes from a close knit family - he idolizes his older brother Victor. La Rupa is also a close town. Jose knows all the residents and their homes. Then news of Hurricane Mitch comes, but surely it won't affect La Rupa - they are too far inland, right? Jose's dad, brother, and sister are out of town when the hurricane hits. It is devastating to much of Honduras. Jose doesn't know if his father, brother, and sister are okay, but he doesn't have time to think about it. He has to help his community recover from the mudslide that has covered the majority of the town, leaving Jose and a shack at the other side of town the only buildings left standing.
Upper elementary.
Upper elementary.
March 25, 2014
The small town of La Rupa in the Honduras was very peaceful and Jose was having a great, normal life. But then, disaster struck. His town had been ruined and torn to pieces by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. As the hurricane started to settle, the people in Jose's town tried to pull their lives back together. The young boy realizes his fear and courage are nothing compared to the destruction bought by natural forces. I really enjoyed this book because gave personality to someone surviving through natural disasters and coping with their losses. I enjoyed this book also because it gave meaning to this topic; When someone loses something that is loved or dear, they go through shock, trauma, and lots of grieving. This book is a MUST read for everyone!! It's quick, short, and amazing!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2014
This book was the kind of book that you wouldn't want to put down. In fact I read it in one night it was so catchy and cliff hangery. Josè the main character lives with his five siblings, two parents and on dog named Berti. Everything is great for the family. Living in Honduras can be hard at times but they always manage to come through. Then one night hurricane Mitch comes and destroys Honduras and the little town of La Rupa. Josè's father, sister and brother get separated form the rest of the family and can not be found for a week. The rest of the family spends restless nights at home living off of literally nothing and no water. The rest I'm not going to tell because you should have already picked up this action thriller of a book!
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July 6, 2019The story is very crisp and well written. It was hard to put this book down ... I even stayed in the car for lunch because I was more interested in reading than eating. But then things changed about two-thirds of the way through the story. The personal growth that had transformed Jose became secondary to wrapping up the book and giving it a happy ending. I don't want to give away the ending, so I'll only say that for me, the events trivialized the story as a whole.
To read the full review, go to the Reading Tub.
To read the full review, go to the Reading Tub.
May 1, 2010
This was a fantastic, gripping book on a topic of great interest to the intended audience: severe weather and natural disasters. The tone and details are accurately reflective of the severity of the disaster and the depth of the emotions felt by Jose, while staying appropriate for the intended young audience. Readers will really earn an appreciation for what it is like to live through this type of weather event, as well as for the culture of rural Honduras. The scene where Jose is approached by some Caucasian bullies will also encourage respect for non-English speakers, so I think this book has great potential for use in a classroom.
September 11, 2008
A story of the aftermath of a hurricane: Jose lives in Honduras, in a small village where he knows every resident by name, and he plays soccer on the streets with neighboring kids. But when Hurricane Mitch roars through and causes a mudslide to bury his town, he and his family are thrust into a dangerous situation. Half of his family is separated from him and he doesn't even know if they're alive--and there are untold numbers of people buried under mud and debris. How will they survive and can they rescue anyone alive?
September 29, 2013
In Hurricane, Trueman gives an emotional and detailed view of a small Honduran town that is destroyed in Hurricane Mitch. The main character, Jose, transitions from being a thirteen year old boy, who just wants to get out and play soccer with his friends, to a respected and valued member of his community as a result of his action during and after the storm.
This book is very different from others by Trueman. Still, I know quite a few 6th and 7th graders who will pick it up because they loved Stuck in Neutral, and there's enough here to keep them reading.
This book is very different from others by Trueman. Still, I know quite a few 6th and 7th graders who will pick it up because they loved Stuck in Neutral, and there's enough here to keep them reading.
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