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Ranger in Time #8
Hurricane Katrina Rescue
Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, sets out to help a family in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina!
Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, arrives in New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina approaches and residents start to evacuate the city. Ranger meets Clare Porter, who is searching for her grandmother. Once Ranger helps Clare find Nana, he takes shelter with them at their home in the Lower Ninth Ward, and they wait for Clare's father to return from the gas station. But there's no sign of him as hours pass and the weather gets worse. The wind picks up and rain pours down. And when the levees break, floodwaters dangerously rise, and Clare and Nana are separated. Can Ranger help Clare navigate the flooded streets to safety and back to her family?
Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, arrives in New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina approaches and residents start to evacuate the city. Ranger meets Clare Porter, who is searching for her grandmother. Once Ranger helps Clare find Nana, he takes shelter with them at their home in the Lower Ninth Ward, and they wait for Clare's father to return from the gas station. But there's no sign of him as hours pass and the weather gets worse. The wind picks up and rain pours down. And when the levees break, floodwaters dangerously rise, and Clare and Nana are separated. Can Ranger help Clare navigate the flooded streets to safety and back to her family?
160 pages, Hardcover
First published June 26, 2018
75 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Kate Messner
132 books1,662 followersKate Messner is an award-winning author, TED 2012 speaker, and former middle school English teacher. Her books for kids include THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.,SUGAR AND ICE, and EYE OF THE STORM (Walker/Bloomsbury Dec. 2010) the MARTY MCGUIRE series (Scholastic), SEA MONSTER'S FIRST DAY, and OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW (Chronicle, Books). Kate also wrote SPITFIRE and CHAMPLAIN AND THE SILENT ONE, both Lake Champlain historical novels published by North Country Books.
Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com
Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner
...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner
Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com
Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner
...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 42 reviews
March 25, 2019
I read this with my boys and it was such a great book. Educational, interesting, suspenseful, well-written! My kids and I really enjoy this series. It always gets them thinking and it always teaches them something about history that they didn't know before. In this case, recent history, which was pretty cool given that the other ones we've read happened much farther in the past. We also love the Author's Note at the end of each book that gives further details into the real life events that inspired the story/
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February 12, 2019i love this book because Clare and the dog Ranger was in the hurricane
and they got out in time but there was a cliffhanger it was that Clare's dad went
to get gas and he did not come back till the end but that is not all i like about it
it was kinda toward the middle where everything started and close in the end is
what i like she was helping other people even thought she is still young.
and they got out in time but there was a cliffhanger it was that Clare's dad went
to get gas and he did not come back till the end but that is not all i like about it
it was kinda toward the middle where everything started and close in the end is
what i like she was helping other people even thought she is still young.
May 31, 2020
Tour de force.
I have questions about Ranger's origin story and the mechanism of time travel that weren't answered here, but that's on me for starting with Book 8.
I have questions about Ranger's origin story and the mechanism of time travel that weren't answered here, but that's on me for starting with Book 8.
September 5, 2021
"I like this book because even if a ton of people were killed or hurt that day, I know that hurricane Katrina was one if the strongest hurricanes in the history." -Cadee, age 9
March 28, 2022
I was young when Hurricane Katrina happened. I learned more about it with this story (even with it being a children’s chapter book). It is one I am glad to be adding to my class library.
July 22, 2018
I had a lot to learn about hurricanes and what it takes to survive them, and now I am one step further along. I've heard/read stories about rescuing people trapped on top of their houses and about people packing up and driving and things. But this is the first time I've read about being stuck in your house, watching the water rise, retreating to the attic, and then trying to find how to get out onto the roof. Thank you, Kate Messner.
August 10, 2018
While obviously unable to tell the whole story of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Messner still helps her young audience understand some of the issues that plagued the Lower Ninth in the days, weeks, & years following this disaster.
Being the first Ranger in Time I have read, it was way better than I had guessed. It perfectly fills in for kids who loved Magic Tree House, but need more 'meat'. I can see students up to 5th grade enjoying this series.
Being the first Ranger in Time I have read, it was way better than I had guessed. It perfectly fills in for kids who loved Magic Tree House, but need more 'meat'. I can see students up to 5th grade enjoying this series.
March 22, 2019
Historical fiction middle grade book. Informational book about Hurricane Katrina and how poverty stricken communities like the ninth ward suffered during natural disaster recovery. The African-American population in the ninth ward was hit the worst and the chapters through the book show examples of racism, inadequate emergency resources from the government, authority mistreatment and refugee rejection from nearby cities.
December 29, 2019
This is definitely my favorite book of the series, and I've read all 8 of them. As with all the books in this series, the author does a great job of teaching kids about some important historical events in the near or distant past. I would reckon that learning of these events is made much easier and more enjoyable by the presence of hero dog Ranger. He's the reason why I love to read them.
July 1, 2018
Excellent historical details that helps young people feel like they were there. Well-researched and includes a historical note with photographs, suggestions for further reading, and the sources the author used while delving into the Hurricane and its aftermath.
October 8, 2022
This disaster survival story is incredibly gripping, and I appreciate how the author represented Clare's courage and tenacity while also being realistic about her physical limitations as a young girl. She isn't able to hack through the roof with her dad's ax, for example, but her efforts show immense inner strength, and her challenges are all the more suspenseful because the author doesn't give her unrealistic, easy ways out.
I also appreciate how the author wove in her characters' Christian faith. There isn't a spiritual message to the story, but Clare and her grandma often exclaim things like, "Oh, Lord!" in a religious sense, and Clare repeatedly prays throughout her struggles. The series as a whole is secular, but this volume respectfully portrays the faith of many African Americans affected by Hurricane Katrina.
This chapter book honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers involved in Katrina without sanitizing the horror of the storm or the ways that racism and classism affected recovery efforts. The historical note in the back shares a lot more detail about the storm and aftermath, shares photos, and explains which specific elements of the story the author created based on her research and interviews.
Although the concept of a time-traveling rescue dog seems gimmicky, I have been very impressed with this series, and the author portrays Ranger in a realistic way. He truly seems like a dog, and the author put a lot of effort into thinking through how an animal would react in many of these situations, especially given that the dog knows even less about what is happening than the child he's helping. It's easy and enjoyable to suspend disbelief, and this series is so thoughtful and well-researched that it can appeal to teenagers and adults as well.
I also appreciate how the author wove in her characters' Christian faith. There isn't a spiritual message to the story, but Clare and her grandma often exclaim things like, "Oh, Lord!" in a religious sense, and Clare repeatedly prays throughout her struggles. The series as a whole is secular, but this volume respectfully portrays the faith of many African Americans affected by Hurricane Katrina.
This chapter book honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers involved in Katrina without sanitizing the horror of the storm or the ways that racism and classism affected recovery efforts. The historical note in the back shares a lot more detail about the storm and aftermath, shares photos, and explains which specific elements of the story the author created based on her research and interviews.
Although the concept of a time-traveling rescue dog seems gimmicky, I have been very impressed with this series, and the author portrays Ranger in a realistic way. He truly seems like a dog, and the author put a lot of effort into thinking through how an animal would react in many of these situations, especially given that the dog knows even less about what is happening than the child he's helping. It's easy and enjoyable to suspend disbelief, and this series is so thoughtful and well-researched that it can appeal to teenagers and adults as well.
August 25, 2020
I loved this book! Compelling and descriptive; I could really picture everything and felt like I was there. This would be a good recommendation for a reluctant reader: fast-paced, action-packed, easy to empathize with the protagonist. Also good for any reader who likes action/adventure and/or historical fiction.... and dogs, for an added bonus. :) It was easy to jump in at volume 8 without having read any of the others; no problem picking up the plotline of the time-traveling rescue dog. Grades 3-5.
Such a vivid portrayal of Hurricane Katrina. What a mess and complete failure of disaster mitigation. I've heard Covid referred to as "Trump's Katrina," and this makes that clear, reminding me of the failure of the G.W. Bush administration to adequately provide help to the poorest and most vulnerable victims, primarily those of the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, which is where this story takes place. This book really brings to life the harrowing experiences of , etc.
This all also has relevance in light of today's Black Lives Matter moment. It was, of course, predominantly poor black neighborhoods that suffered the most, with instances of racism by police. Have we come any farther in 15 years?
I also liked the author's afterword, giving background and context to the event. Her empathy for the survivors of the ordeal is clear. Strong 4 stars!
Such a vivid portrayal of Hurricane Katrina. What a mess and complete failure of disaster mitigation. I've heard Covid referred to as "Trump's Katrina," and this makes that clear, reminding me of the failure of the G.W. Bush administration to adequately provide help to the poorest and most vulnerable victims, primarily those of the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, which is where this story takes place. This book really brings to life the harrowing experiences of , etc.
This all also has relevance in light of today's Black Lives Matter moment. It was, of course, predominantly poor black neighborhoods that suffered the most, with instances of racism by police. Have we come any farther in 15 years?
I also liked the author's afterword, giving background and context to the event. Her empathy for the survivors of the ordeal is clear. Strong 4 stars!
December 19, 2019
{My thoughts} – Clare is a sweet girl that is living in New Orleans. At the time hurricane Katrina hits her mother and brother are in Houston. Her father, her Nana and herself or still home. Her father talks with her mother nightly and when the mayor calls for a mandatory evacuation her father goes out in search of gas so they can head to Houston.
He gives Clare specific instruction to pack a bag and get her Nana ready. She goes about doing that while her father is gone. She ends up having to do much more because her father doesn’t make it back. She is however, greeted with Ranger who starts to look out for her and her Nana.
There are many situations in which she could have been hurt. However, Ranger keeps her safe and helps to guide her in the right directions. A lot takes place in the span of a day or two and with Ranger by her side Clare is able to handle things at a much more adult level.
It did make me sad to read about all the stuff she’d went through. However, in the end it helped her to get where she was going and showed her tremendous amount of strength in a time of crisis.
I look forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
He gives Clare specific instruction to pack a bag and get her Nana ready. She goes about doing that while her father is gone. She ends up having to do much more because her father doesn’t make it back. She is however, greeted with Ranger who starts to look out for her and her Nana.
There are many situations in which she could have been hurt. However, Ranger keeps her safe and helps to guide her in the right directions. A lot takes place in the span of a day or two and with Ranger by her side Clare is able to handle things at a much more adult level.
It did make me sad to read about all the stuff she’d went through. However, in the end it helped her to get where she was going and showed her tremendous amount of strength in a time of crisis.
I look forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
August 22, 2025
Makes Hurricane Katrina relatable
Written specifically about one tween girl from the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Written with a lot of examples of the wind, rain, the roof damage and downed trees, to the rising water from the levees overtopping and finally the breech of the levee. From then on, it’s an account of what it was like for folks who couldn’t get out of their homes and chopped out of attics, onto roofs and waited for boats or helicopter rescue. Readers can feel the fear, thirst, heat, no electricity, no working plumbing, no cell service or WiFi. Just from the description of what was in the flood water stew, you can smell it. Finally you feel the misery and desperation of walking Mike after mile to reach the squalid Superdome. And the main character is a beautiful golden retriever with bravery above and beyond and a heart of gold.
Written specifically about one tween girl from the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Written with a lot of examples of the wind, rain, the roof damage and downed trees, to the rising water from the levees overtopping and finally the breech of the levee. From then on, it’s an account of what it was like for folks who couldn’t get out of their homes and chopped out of attics, onto roofs and waited for boats or helicopter rescue. Readers can feel the fear, thirst, heat, no electricity, no working plumbing, no cell service or WiFi. Just from the description of what was in the flood water stew, you can smell it. Finally you feel the misery and desperation of walking Mike after mile to reach the squalid Superdome. And the main character is a beautiful golden retriever with bravery above and beyond and a heart of gold.
April 2, 2021
This book is part of the delightful Ranger in Time series about a time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training who works to rescue characters in trouble throughout history. When Clare finds herself alone in her New Orleans home during Hurricane Katrina, she calls on the lessons learned from her father to save herself, her grandmother and the unexpected dog that suddenly accompanied her. While this book might be full of four-legged fantasy, it portrays the grim reality of the people of the Lower Ninth Ward during Hurricane Katrina, honoring their bravery and community while giving the rest of us a glimpse into the devastating damage on all levels. This may have been my first Ranger in Time series, but it will certainly not be the last.
October 29, 2022
Ranger, a time-traveling dog, begins to hear humming coming from an old beat-up yet working and fully stocked first-aid kit. He senses he is needed by someone, and sure enough, when he opens his eyes he finds himself in storm-ridden New Orleans, the Ninth Ward. There he finds Nana, the grandmother, and her granddaughter in the throws of Hurricane Katrina. The escape from rising water is harrowing. Ranger cannot return home until all are safe, and he helps them get there.
My new little Golden Retriever is named Ranger after this hero.
My new little Golden Retriever is named Ranger after this hero.
September 9, 2018
Another page turner with every chapter ending in a cliff-hanger! I would highly recommend this book as a read-aloud. It's very educational, yet age appropriate to learn about real life events with a little fiction woven in.
November 5, 2018
Just read this book with my 9 year old and thoroughly enjoyed it! This realistic fictional story made you stop and think about what really happened during Hurricane Katrina. Loved the hero being a 4-legged furry friend!
February 18, 2023
*Battle of the Books 22-23*
I thought it was good for an elementary level book. It was just a lot of constant action, but in a book that short I understand. It did a good job of showing how things affected both Clare and Ranger.
I thought it was good for an elementary level book. It was just a lot of constant action, but in a book that short I understand. It did a good job of showing how things affected both Clare and Ranger.
June 27, 2018
Great read
Once I started I couldn’t put it down until I read every word to the very end! The kids at school are going to LOVE this one!
Once I started I couldn’t put it down until I read every word to the very end! The kids at school are going to LOVE this one!
July 5, 2018
I think this one is my favorite in the series!
August 26, 2018
Weather is a new unit at 3rd grade. This is a great resource and connection to current family stories about weather events they have experienced.
March 16, 2019
I really like this series because there are so many ADVENTURES!
January 16, 2021
Exciting but scary!!! I think it was good,but scary.
May 20, 2021
Another exciting rescue pulled off by Ranger,
December 26, 2021
Great introductory story on Hurricane Katrina for young readers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 42 reviews