Hurricane Heroes in Texas

Magic Tree House #30

by Mary Pope Osborne, A.G. Ford (Illustrator)

Jack and Annie are caught out in the rain in the most dangerous Magic Tree House mission yet!

Jack and Annie are on a mission! When the magic tree house whisks them back to Galveston, Texas, in 1900, they find out that a big storm is coming. But even though there is rain and wind, no one believes there is any danger. As the storm grows, seawater floods the city. Now everyone needs help! Jack and Annie have a little bit of magic and a lot of hope--but will it be enough?


Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid?
Magic Tree House: Perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures

If you're looking for Merlin Mission #30: Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve, it was renumbered as part of the rebrand in 2017 as Merlin Mission #2.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Chapter Books, Fiction, Adventure, Middle Grade

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Mary Pope Osborne is an American author of children's books and audiobook narrator. She is best known as the author of the Magic Tree House series, which as of 2017 sold more than 134 million copies worldwide. Both the series and Osborne have won awards, including for Osborne's charitable efforts at promoting children's literacy. One of four children, Osborne moved around in her childhood before attending the University of North Carolina. Following college, Osborne traveled before moving to New York City. She somewhat spontaneously began to write, and her first book was published in 1982. She went on to write a variety of other children's and young adult books before starting the Magic Tree House series in 1992. Osborne's sister Natalie Pope Boyce has written several compendium books to the Magic Tree House series, sometimes with Osborne's husband Will Osborne.

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

**TAB Reviewer**
This book takes readers on a thrilling journey to Galveston, Texas, during the historic hurricane of 1900. Jack and Annie's mission to save lives amidst a natural disaster is both heart-pounding and educational. The vivid descriptions and historical context make it a standout in the series. Children interested in natural disasters and history will find this book captivating and inspiring.
-Teen Volunteer Adhyyan R.

Find a Copy at Scottsdale Public Library

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure!

[Ty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very good very well one of my favorite part's of these story's is that they teleport too the place where they go too save other people or animals

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just back from a trip to Galveston, Texas. Before going there all I knew about it was beach and the 1900 Hurricane. I went to our library catalog to see if I could find some interesting information about Galveston, and well, Jack and Annie came to the rescue! They are the coolest kid time travelers!

While in Galveston went to a lot of historical site and many homes and buildings proudly displayed the "1900 Storm survivor"

We drove by the Ursaline Convent but it didn't survive Hurricane Camille in the 1960s. What I didn't know about was Sister Mary Joseph "a shining Light" how come I had to read a Magic Tree House book to learn about her! I learned bout the Bryan's, Moody's, and Rosenberg's, but no Sister Mary Joseph.

This book just wet my appetite for more 1900 Galveston storm information. I maybe to do an interlinear loan (probably from Texas) to learn more.

[Ela's Welt der Bücher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meine Kindheitserinnerung wird jedes Mal wieder aus meinem Gedächtnis hervorgekramt, wenn ich diese Bücher lese. Auch wenn es jetzt nur noch ein kurzes Vergnügen ist.
4 Sterne

[Merle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading the books as a child, and now my younger brother collects them too. So I just "steal" the books from him to read them aswell.
Still as magical as 14 years ago

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teaaaaaaa!! Kind of was just waiting to see if there was any false info. 😂

[Lily Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s always a catholic nun when you need one

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another opportunity to introduce young readers to history - and open up an exploration of the history of meteorology and weather prediction. What instruments were used to predict the weather in the early 1900's? What did we learn from disasters? It will be interesting to find out.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have several stacks about the house of library and personal books I have to read. They are books from many different genres, reading levels and interests. 100s of books.

This one called out to me today: September 8, 2020. It turned out to be an interesting coincidence. Read this book to find out why.

Great little book in the Magic Treehouse Series. I have been reading these books along with my home schooled daughter for many years now. (She was a very reluctant reader and has now graduated to reading books like “Pride and Prejudice.”).

We still enjoy reading these and talking about all the adventures Jack and Annie have had. We have both learned a lot of history and other subjects from these books over the years and in a very fun and entertaining way! I highly recommend this book and all the books in this series. (Fact Trackers, too).

[Cadence Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! It's about Jack and Annie trying to save the hurricane that was in Galveston, Texas, 1900 and the story goes on. And I think that Mary Pope Osborne is very good at drawing the picture's. And if I ever saw Mary Pope Osborne in real life then I would scream!

[Kelly Hohenstern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Magic Tree House Adventure. I always love the history and research Osborne puts into her stories. In this one, Jack and Annie journeyed to Galveston Texas to save people from the great hurricane that hit in 1900. Very enjoyable, fast paced story.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another top favorite! It was heart-breaking to listen to the part where the hurricane hit and a family was separated but the kids' bravery and resourcefulness made all the difference in the end!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dad’s pick. Easy to read. Predictable just like all Magic Tree House books. But good history lessons learned for the kids.

[Assortedtrashprincess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real danger and interesting side characters.

[Hope Anderson (HopelessBookAddict) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Shaylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute books for kids! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cadee · Rating 3 out of 5]

"This book was just okay. I learned about what happened on the day of the hurricane, making it feel like you are really there experiencing the storm." -Cadee, age 9

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite of my 8 year old, can't wait for more books in the series!

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

I spotted this on the library shelf after I finished "Issac's Storm"
The storm forecasters aren't part of this story. Galveston was a very dangerous place to be during the storm of 1900. I worried about those flying shingles.

Jack and Annie find refuse with a women and they manage to climb onto, then cling to the roof.
They float to a building, the Ursuline Academy, which is manned by nuns, one of them being Mother Mary Joseph. (She's not mentioned in Issac's Storm.)

Interesting to read books on the same topic from different perspective.

[Hannah Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this. I’ll always love magic tree house ❤️

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard about the Galveston hurricane of 1900 so it was interesting to read about. I also love the focus on helping where you can in difficult situations. Every little bit helps.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frequently travelers Jack and Annie travel back in time once again with the help of their magic tree house. But there's a storm brewing in the Gulf, and rain is on its way. Since the youngsters have read a little bit about the hurricane that wreaks havoc on Galveston, Texas in 1900, where the tree house has taken them, they are determined to help the city's residents get to safety. But since weather forecasters and newspaper articles declare that there is no need to worry, no one listens to them. They manage to rescue some dogs and help some humans, and seek shelter with Rose, a kind-hearted woman, and her daughter who are waiting for the woman's husband to come home. Along with Rose, the siblings float through the flood waters after they crash into her home and make their way to the Ursuline Academy where others have gathered for refuge. There are several dramatic scenes and vivid descriptions of the rising water in this account that might provide some comfort to those who have experienced similar trauma. Once again, a book shows that heroism comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Tree House Hurricane Heroes in Texas is a super exciting adventure! Jack and Annie find a special star-shaped necklace that works like a lantern. With its magic, they travel back in time to help Mother Mary Joseph, who's famous for helping people during the Galveston hurricane.

Mother Mary Joseph is so brave, and she helps so many people during the raging storm. But will Jack and Annie survive the dangerous water and get out in time? Will the Magic Tree House be okay?

I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next! This book taught me that you have to be strong and never give up, just like the people of Texas. Even a big hurricane couldn't stop Mother Mary Joseph from helping others. That's so amazing!

I hope you read this awesome book and learn how to be brave and keep going no matter what happens. It's a real page-turner! Happy reading!

This book is amazing, and I can't wait for you to see my full review on my YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/-REnaEaFxms

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an adult it just amazes me how Jack and Annie run into all these adventures without a thought of fear. I mean, I am sitting here going “you’re 8ish years old! Don’t get hurt!” As a kid I never thought of the bad consequences either, I just thought they were cool adventurous kids. But they are so much more than that. Hurricanes, earthquakes, Sabertooth Tigers, and Volcanic eruptions don’t stop these kids. I mean, they knew a hurricane was coming, they knew that the Strands was the part of Galveston that got flooded the worst, yet they went there anyway to warn people. Then, when the bad stuff hit they didn’t run to high ground and safe places where they knew they would be safe, they helped people and puppies and others. How insane!

Why is this children’s series not a TV show or a movie series again? Just great!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic Tree House: Hurricane Heroes in Texas (#30) by Mary Pope Osborne. CHAPTER BOOK. Random House, 2018. $14. 9781524713126

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Jack and Annie go to Galveston with some knowledge about the places that survived the hurricane. When the storm hits they are able to direct people to these landmarks that they know from their book are safe.

I didn’t know anything about this hurricane, making it an interesting subject, and the timing of this book being published after the Houston flood this past year is notable. I think the connections this creates to past and present heroes in times of tragedy is valuable.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very first time reading a Magic School House series book! I read this book because my daughter is moving to Galveston for Graduate school and I wanted to learn about the place in a fun, historical fictional way. I'm so impressed that Mary Pope Osborne writes these realistic fictional books. This is one is number 30. It's new to our public library and was published in 2018. I learned that Galveston is an island between the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Galveston Bay to the north. It was one of the busiest seaports in the USA in the late 1800's when my Great, great Grandfather immigrated from Austria/Germany. The Ursuline Academy is where many people including the main characters in this book find high ground and safety from the Sept.8, 1900 hurricane! I can't wait to go visit and see the places Osborne talked about! Thank you!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magic Tree House books were my favorite as a kid. I just got a library card not too long ago to my local library. And I checked this book out among other Magic Tree House books. I love weather and this book was just perfect for me.

I think that this book would be a good introduction to the Galveston Hurricane if the person reading the book never heard of it before. The writing was excellent just like the other books in the series. The book Twister on Tuesday is what made me interested in weather in the first place.

I recommend this book to any Magic Tree House book lover kid or adult. And I hope that this book will inspire some people to love the weather just like Twister on Tuesday did to me when I was a kid.

[Mystic DreamClouds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay wow, this may have been the most intense book in the series so far!

Given a poem as a clue by Morgan, Jack and Annie travel back in time to the 1900s in Galveston, Texas. After reading from their reference book, they realize there is an incoming hurricane and they need to get the locals to higher ground. At first, the locals are reluctant since the weather was forecasted to be just a storm but soon things start turning worse and the roads begin to flood. Jack and Annie find refuge with a kind lady and her child; however they are soon ripped into the storm on a piece of roofing and have no choice but to travel with the current.

The prologue is short but summarizes the main plot and the purpose of the next four adventures Jack and Annie go to. It doesn’t go over all their previous adventures, hinting that you don’t need to read the previous installments for this book, which is true.

This book was intense. Jack and Annie get into a fair bit of weather trouble in this book and it’s not something they can resolve or pull to their favor as easily as in the last adventures. However, I absolutely loved how Jack and Annie put the safety and security of others before their own and didn’t lose hope. It’s a great message to send to readers of all ages!

The writing in this book felt different from previous installments. I believe it may have been partly due to being more descriptive and suspenseful. I enjoyed the pacing in this book as well as the dialogue, although I did find the relaxed lullaby singing a bit unrealistic in the circumstances it was sung.

Overall, this may just be one of my favorite books in this series and I’m glad it has a happy ending. I liked the more adventurous and suspenseful tone in this book and I enjoyed how it didn’t follow the layout from previous installments. This book throws us right into the trouble and it’s not an easy ride from there. The amount of positivity and hope the two siblings displayed in this book was commendable and very heart-warming. Definitely a good read if you’re looking for a short suspenseful adventure!

Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this one, Jack and Annie go back to one of the worst hurricanes ever to hit Texas. There, they meet their second hero, Mother Mary Joseph. These have not changed much in tone since the originals, though I did find it funny to see smart phones mentioned. Texas: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #30: Hurricane Heroes in Texas is the non fiction counterpart.