These two books document hurricanes that slammed North Carolina’s coast–the so-called “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Both books are available in new paperback editions chock full of primary sources.
The true adventure, SINK OR SWIM: African-American Lifesavers of the Outer Banks, centers on the nation’s only all-black lifesaving crew. During an 1896 hurricane, the crew swam through raging seas to rescue shipwreck survivors. The book’s back matter includes hurricane lore and a reading guide. The guide is also online.
PRINCEVILLE: The 500-Year Flood is historical fiction set in 1999. After hurricane Floyd flooded eastern North Carolina, residents of Princeville, the nation’s first incorporated black town, were left homeless. They had to decide whether to abandon their roots or to return and rebuild. What choice would your students have made? The paperback edition for early readers includes photos of recovery and relief efforts. View the author interview here. So far this year, the Atlantic has had 12 named storms. The last name on the 2019 list is “Wendy.” No pun intended.
children's books by the weatherfords 
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