Nonfiction Book

Saving Animals After Tornadoes
by Stephen Pearson
Published by Bearport Publishing
Copyright 2012

Suggested Delivery: Independent read, read aloud

Reading Level: Lexile level 990, guided reading level O

Vocabulary: tornado (4), suburb (4), hind (5), meterologist (8), outbreak (9). The glossary on page 30 covers all the words covered here and more. They are bolded throughout the book.

Awards: 2013 Children's Choices Selection

"The Super Outbreak of 2011 was a series of more than 300 powerful tornadoes that struck in 15 different states over several days in April of 2011. One of the most destructive natural disasters in U.S. history, the tornado outbreak killed more than 340 people and flattened thousands of buildings. Many pets, farm animals, and wild animals were injured or left stranded without food or water. Could rescue workers save the animals and reunite pets with their owners? In Saving Animals After Tornadoes, kids will discover the inspiring stories of rescue organizations like the Alabama Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, whose volunteers brought injured pets to animal shelters for veterinary care, and the Alabama Wildlife Center, whose rescue teams saved baby birds with broken wings and damaged feathers. The uplifting true stories and full-color photos in this book will capture the heart of any young animal lover."- Google Books Review

This book is uplifting, engaging, imformational, accurate, and an inspiration to those who love and animals. Students can see that there are people in the world who go out there and put their lives on the line to save innocent animals from natural diasters.

Pre Reading Activity: Before reading, students can make a list with the teacher of people in their communities who help out humans when they're in trouble (police, firemen, etc.) Have a discussion with the students about how there are other people out there who help pets and wild animals when they're in trouble.

During Reading Activity: While students read they can keep in mind the following bookmark questions, "Are you greatful for the people who help these animals? Why? Are these people inspiring to you? Do you think the animals appreciate their help? What other natural disasters can animals be saved from"

Post Reading Activity: This book can be tied into a science lesson about tornadoes, specifically wind patterns and natural weather causes. Students can have an extension project to do research on tornadoes and what causes them. They can also research other tornadoes that have occurred in the United States, what states were affected, and what is being done to help the people living in the affected areas.

Writing Activity: Students can answer the following thought provoking question in one to two paragraphs, "Imagine your pet was swept into a tornado. How would you feel and what actions would you want to see taking place in order to guarentee the safe return of your pet? Explain using situations and organizations from the book."

Electronic Resources:

Animal Heroes
This website gives students 
the flipped perspective of
rescuing. This link tells a few
stories about how ordinary 
animals did extrordinary good 
deeds by rescuing humans or other
animals. The stories follow a golden 
retriever, a cat, a gorilla, and an Asian 
elephant. The website provides just a few 
instances where animals have helped
others and are as helpful and as caring 
as humans.


What is a Tornado?
This is an informational website 
on tornadoes, created by the Weather 
WizKids. If students would like to look 
more into how tornadoes are formed, 
the damages they cause, or even just facts 
about them the website provides credible 
information and pictures about what a tornado 
actually is.