Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 1/12
5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived SeriesWith KidsWe sat down with best-selling author Lauren Tarshis for her advice on how to help kids getthe most out of this historical fiction series.
By Scholastic Parents Staff May 20, 2020
The best-selling I Survived series has hooked countless children on history, science, and reading. These
historical fiction books explore the world’s most exciting and terrifying events — from volcanic eruptions to
world-changing acts of war — through the eyes of kids who survived them first-hand.
Lauren Tarshis, author of the I Survived series, shared her best tips for helping your child dive into the series
and walk away an avid reader (and history buff).
1. Certain I Survived books are better suited for younger readers.
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 2/12
It’s no secret that the I Survived books appeal to a wide range of ages, from younger elementary students to
high school students or even adults reading them with their kids. It’s best to let kids in grades 3 and up start
the series by choosing what piques their interest. While some kids are fascinated by topics like tornadoes or
volcanoes, others might want to begin with the American Revolution or World War II.
If your younger child is interested in the series, remember that the books cover some very intense topics. “My
characters experience loss and frightening events, so it’s important for parents to consider their younger
child’s sensitivities,” says Tarshis.
Some books are better for young readers, such as I Survived #1: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912, I
Survived #13: I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937, or I Survived #12: I Survived the Joplin Tornado,
2011. While these are intense topics, they’re not as complex as 9/11, the Nazi invasions, or other World War II
topics.
However, Tarshis says she generally doesn’t recommend her series for kids younger than third grade (and
sometimes end of second grade, depending on the child).
2. Some I Survived books go particularly well together.
While each I Survived book can be read independently, there are a number of ways to group the books
together to strengthen your child’s background knowledge of certain historical events — or build upon their
interest in a particular topic.
“My favorite pairing is I Survived #1: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 and I Survived #13: I Survived
the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937, because there are so many connections between the two,” says Tarshis. “Both
the Titanic and the Hindenburg were the biggest of their kind, the most luxurious, and thought to be
accident-proof. In both cases, their demise shocked the world and changed ideas about technology.”
Another excellent pairing is I Survived #10: I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79 and I Survived #14: I
Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980, two major volcanic eruptions that occurred nearly 2,000
years apart. As your child reads these books, encourage them to consider how someone's reaction to these
eruptions could have been shaped by their times.
“Kids also tell me they love reading books that are set in the same general time period, which can give them a
strong grounding in that era,” says Tarshis. “They observe many shared details, but also pick up so much more
as they read each book.”
For instance, you can group the four I Survived books set during the World War II era:
I Survived #4: I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941
I Survived #9: I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944
I Survived #13: I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937
I Survived #18: I Survived the Battle of D-Day, 1944
You can also start by combining books from the early 1900s, such as:
I Survived #1: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 3/12
I Survived #2: I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916
I Survived #19: I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919
3. Kids can read the books in chronological order — but they don’t have to.
While kids may want to simply start with the topics that pique their interest the most, they can also take an
exciting journey through history by reading the books in chronological order.
“I love hearing that more and more kids are reading the books in this way, beginning with the destruction of
Pompeii in A.D. 79 and moving through history to present-day topics like the Joplin tornado of 2011 or the
upcoming I Survived book about the California wildfires of 2018,” says Tarshis. “You can have so many great
discussions with them about how our lives have — and have not — changed over the centuries.”
That said, kids can start the series with any book. Many are excited to dive into subsequent books after finding
one on a topic they are fascinated by or that their friends recommend.
4. The books complement what your child has learned in class.
As your child learns about different periods of time from their teacher, the I Survived series will build upon that
knowledge. What’s more, it’ll get them hooked on learning by portraying events through the eyes of kids their
age.
Some books can support your child’s curriculum about major wars — take, for instance, I Survived #15: I
Survived the American Revolution, 1776 or I Survived #4: I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941.
Meanwhile, I Survived #16: I Survived the Children's Blizzard, 1888 covers westward expansion, and I
Survived #5: I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 includes a thread connected to the gold rush.
Other books can supplement what your child is learning in their science class. I Survived #12: I Survived the
Joplin Tornado, 2011 is packed with information about weather systems and how tornadoes form. Kids who
are studying animal habitats will be intrigued by I Survived #17: I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967.
“I try to pack the books with information so kids come away with core knowledge about history and science,”
says Tarshis. “It’s great when what they read at home meaningfully connects with what they’ve learned in
class. Having that background knowledge can give kids confidence and help them engage more deeply in
school.”
5. There are easy ways you can help your kids get the most out of the series.
Use the I Survived books as a launching pad for more discussions about history.
Ask your child questions after each chapter (“What do you think happens next?” “Why do you think that
character did that?” “What would your life be like if you lived during this time?”). You can also encourage your
child to ask their grandparents or other relatives questions about history they’ve experienced.
“So many families tell me that the books led to family trips to places like Mount St. Helens, or to a museum
connected to the American Revolution,” says Tarshis. “I hope that my books lead kids to further reading or
exploration, and that they open doors of curiosity.”
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 4/12
Enter your email address Subscribe to our newsletter
Get started by shopping the I Survived books below now! You can find all books and activities at The
Scholastic Store.
For more book and reading ideas, sign up for our Scholastic Parents newsletter!
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #1: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
GRADE S
2 - 5
Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck: He and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing theocean with their aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore,...
Learn More
$4.99 $4.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived Graphic Novel #1: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic,1912
GRADE S
3 - 7
Ten-year-old George Calder can't wait to explore every inch of the Titanic, even if his little sister, Phoebe, has to tag along.But when George sneaks away without her and ventures into the first class...
Learn More
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 5/12
$10.99 $10.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #2: I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916
GRADE S
2 - 5
In the summer of 1916, ten year-old Chet Roscow is captivated by the local news: a Great White shark has been attacking andkilling people up and down the Atlantic Coast, not far from Chet's hometown of...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived Graphic Novel #2: I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916
GRADE S
2 - 7
Chet Roscow is finally feeling at home in Elm Hills, New Jersey. He has a job with his uncle Jerry at the local diner, three greatfriends, and the perfect summertime destination: cool, refreshing Matawan...
Learn More
$10.99 $10.99
P R E - O R D E R
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 6/12
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #3: I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005
GRADE S
2 - 5
The horror of Hurricane Katrina is brought vividly to life in this fictional account of a boy, a dog, and the storm of thecentury.Barry's family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #4: I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941
GRADE S
2 - 5
70 years later, the bombing of Pearl Harbor comes to life for a new generation of readers!History's most terrifying momentsare brought vividly to life in the action-packed fictional I SURVIVED series!...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #5: I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
GRADE S
2 - 5
Ten-year-old Leo loves being a newsboy in San Francisco. Not only does he get to make some money to help his family, he'sfree to explore the amazing city as it changes and grows with the new century....
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 7/12
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #6: I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001
GRADE S
2 - 5
On the day that shocks the world, one boy just wants to find his dad.A powerful addition to the gripping I SURVIVEDseries.Noah has always been proud of his father - a brave New York City firefighter....
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #7: I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863
GRADE S
2 - 5
Does Henry have what it takes to survive the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil? The Civil War comes to life for ISurvived readers.The I Survived series is a runaway success with even the most...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 8/12
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #8: I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011
GRADE S
2 - 5
During the heart-stopping events of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, one boy struggles to make it out alive. The ISurvived series continues with a terrifying recent international disaster.Eleven-year-old...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #9: I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944
GRADE S
2 - 5
In one of the darkest periods in history, one boy struggles to survive?In this gripping new addition to the bestselling I Survivedseries, a young Jewish boy joins the resistance "partisan" fighters outside...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #10: I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79
GRADE S
2 - 5
During the infamous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, one boy struggles to escape. Can he survive the most devastating disasterof ancient times?In this thrilling addition to the bestselling I Survived series,...
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 9/12
Learn More
$4.99 $4.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #11: I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871
GRADE S
2 - 5
In a national contest, readers voted and decided that the next I Survived topic will be the Great Chicago Fire, 1871!In the nextbook of the I Survived series, one boy will struggle to stay alive as the...
Learn More
$4.99 $4.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #12: I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011
GRADE S
2 - 5
A destructive force is about to hit the city of Joplin...Eleven-year-old Dexter has always wanted to see a tornado. So when hegets the incredible opportunity to go storm chasing with the famous Dr. Norman...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 10/12
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #13: I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937
GRADE S
2 - 5
New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis provides a bird's-eye view of one of America's most ghastly accidents everbe captured on film, the Hindenburg disaster of 1937.In May of 1937, the Hindenburg,...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #14: I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980
GRADE S
2 - 5
It was one the most beautiful mountains in America, Mt. St. Helens, in Washington State. But what many didn't know was thatthis peaceful mountain had an explosive past. For more than a century, it had...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #15: I Survived the American Revolution, 1776
GRADE S
2 - 5
Bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tackles the American Revolution in this latest installment of the groundbreaking, New YorkTimes bestselling I Survived series.British soldiers were everywhere. There...
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 11/12
Learn More
$4.99 $4.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #16: I Survived the Children's Blizzard, 1888
GRADE S
3 - 7
Bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tackles the Children's Blizzard of 1888 in this latest installment of the groundbreaking, NewYork Times bestselling I Survived series.Eleven–year–old John Hale has already...
Learn More
$4.99 $4.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #17: I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967
GRADE S
3 - 7
No grizzly has ever killed a human in Glacier before, until tonight. Eleven year old Melody Vega and her family come toGlacier National Park every year, and it's always been a place where she can forget...
Learn More
$4.99 $4.99
A D D T O C A R T
5/29/2020 5 Brilliant Tips for Starting the I Survived Series With Kids | Scholastic | Parents
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/how-to-start-i-survived-series.print.html 12/12
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #18: I Survived the Battle of D-Day, 1944
GRADE S
2 - 5
Lauren Tarshis shines a spotlight on the story of the Normandy landings, the largest seaborne invasion in history andfoundation for the Allied victory in World War II.
Learn More
$4.99 $4.99
A D D T O C A R T
P A P E R B A C K B O O K
I Survived #19: I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919
GRADE S
2 - 5
There were warning signs that the molasses tank would break. The steel sides moaned and groaned. Molasses oozed from itsseams. But the people of Boston's North End — mostly poor immigrants — were powerless...
Learn More
$5.99 $5.99
A D D T O C A R T
