Lauren Tarshis

Eleven-year-old Danny Crane is spending a quiet morning alone on his favorite Hawaiian beach, enjoying the peaceful ocean breeze. But in a matter of minutes, the sky fills with roaring engines, and his entire world is torn apart. Without warning, the devastating bombing of Pearl Harbor begins, officially pulling the United States into the terrifying reality of World War II. Surrounded by deafening explosions, thick black smoke, and unimaginable destruction, Danny is suddenly thrust into the most dangerous moment in American history. Cut off from his family and everything he knows, he must rely on his own courage and quick thinking to navigate the chaotic, burning streets of his island home. Step back in time and experience the heart-stopping action of a day that changed the world forever. As you follow Danny through the rubble and the fear, you will have to ask yourself if you have what it takes to survive one of history's most terrifying events. Can Danny find his way back to his loved ones before it is too late?

Barry’s family is ready to leave New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina arrives, but one emergency keeps them from escaping in time. At first, the storm seems frightening but manageable. Then the levees break, the floodwaters rise, and Barry is swept away from his family into a city that has become dangerous and unrecognizable. This I Survived story places you beside Barry as he faces rushing water, ruined streets, and the terrifying uncertainty of being alone. The fast-moving plot blends historical fiction with survival adventure, showing how one child must hold on to courage when everything familiar has been torn apart. With its dramatic graphic novel format and real disaster setting, this is a gripping choice for readers who like history, action, and stories about kids facing impossible moments.

Visiting his dad's hometown in Japan four months after his father's tragic death would be hard enough for Ben. He is still grieving and trying to find peace in the quiet coastal village. But one morning, the emotional pain turns to absolute terror. First, a massive earthquake rocks the community, violently shaking the ground and nearly toppling his uncle's house. Then, the ocean waters begin to rise. Before they can escape, Ben and his family are swept away and pulled apart by a devastating, unstoppable tsunami. Now, Ben is completely alone, stranded in a strange country a million miles from home, with danger all around him. Can he find the strength to navigate the wreckage and reunite with his family? Experience the heart-pounding reality of one of history's most epic disasters in this gripping tale of resilience and survival.

Ten-year-old Leo loves his exciting life as a newsboy in the bustling, hilly city of San Francisco. He gets to explore the busy streets, where horse-drawn carriages ride right alongside shiny new automobiles. The city is growing fast, and every day brings a new adventure. But early one spring morning, the ground beneath his feet begins to shake. In a matter of moments, a massive earthquake rocks the entire city, tumbling buildings and completely changing the landscape. Stranded in the middle of the crumbling streets, Leo must think fast and stay brave. With courage and quick thinking, he navigates the broken roads to find his way to safety and protect his family. This thrilling, fast-paced story takes readers on an incredible journey through a historic event, proving that even in the most surprising moments, a young hero can find the strength to survive and help others.

The bloodiest battle in American history is about to begin, and one young boy is caught right in the middle of it. The year is 1863, and Thomas and his little sister, Birdie, have just made a daring escape from the farm where they were born into slavery. Guided only by the North Star and their hope for freedom, they journey into the unknown. Their luck changes when they cross paths with a Union soldier named Corporal Henry Green. He brings Thomas and Birdie back to his regiment, giving them a sudden sense of safety and a new place to call home. Marching alongside the army, Thomas finally feels like he is part of something bigger. But the march comes to a terrifying halt when orders arrive sending the men straight into battle in Pennsylvania. Thomas has survived the perilous journey north, but does he have the courage to survive the devastating chaos of Gettysburg?

In the bustling, ancient city of Pompeii, ordinary life is full of busy markets and beautiful streets. No one seems to worry when the ground occasionally trembles beneath their feet. People believe the giant mountain Vesuvius towering over the city is just a sleeping beast that wakes up angry sometimes before going right back to sleep. But young Marcus is afraid. He has a feeling that something is terribly wrong, and his father agrees. Suddenly, the mountain explodes with a deafening roar, shooting a massive cloud of ash and fiery rocks high into the sky. As the dark ash begins to fall like rain, Marcus and his father must act immediately. Racing through the chaotic streets, they have to dodge falling debris to escape the epic destruction of their home. This exciting graphic novel brings history to life with amazing artwork and a fast-paced survival adventure.