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.
Because of that, they're the perfect reads to get your child enrapt in learning and interested in the subjects they're exploring in class. Here, Lauren Tarshis, author of the I Survived series, shares her best tips and recommendations for helping your child dive into the series and walk away an avid reader (and history buff).
Insider Tip: You can now order the newest chapter book in the series, I Survived #20: I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018.
1. Be mindful of younger readers and allow their interests to dictate where to start.
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 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 those covering the events of the Titanic and the Hindenburg disaster. While these topics can be weighty, they’re not as complex as 9/11, the Nazi invasions, or other World War II topics.
Tarshis also generally doesn’t recommend her series for kids younger than third grade (and sometimes end of second grade, depending on the child).
Recommended Titles for Younger Readers
- I Survived #1: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
- I Survived #12: I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011
- I Survived #13: I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937
2. Group I Survived books together to enhance your child’s understanding of topics.
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.”
“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,” adds Tarshis. “They observe many shared details, but also pick up so much more as they read each book.”
Recommended Groupings
Volcanic Eruptions:
- I Survived #10: I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79
- I Survived #14: I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980
World War II:
- 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
Early 1900s:
- I Survived #1: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
- I Survived #2: I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916
- I Survived #19: I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919
Insider Tip: As your child reads these books, encourage them to consider how someone's reaction to these events could have been shaped by their times.
3. Consider reading the books in chronological order.
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. Pair I Survived titles with your child’s current curriculum.
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, while others can enhance learning around westward expansion and the gold rush.
“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.”
Recommended Curriculum Pairings
Major Wars:
- I Survived #15: I Survived the American Revolution, 1776
- I Survived #4: I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941
Westward Expansion and the Goldrush:
- I Survived #16: I Survived the Children's Blizzard, 1888
- I Survived #5: I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
Science and Animal Science:
- I Survived #12: I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011
- I Survived #17: I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967
5. Encourage further exploration of historical events with family discussions.
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.”
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