Blackout

Rocco, J. (2011).Blackout.  New York: Hyperion Books.

A gem!! This Caldecott Honor Book depicts one night without electricity in New York with bold, two page spread illustrations in a graphic novel style (multiple frames, speech bubbles, text boxes with short descriptions). The shadow play throughout the story gives a feeling of youthful joy.  The youngest child in a family is looking for someone to play with but everyone is too busy - until the lights go out.  Then not only the family, but the neighbourhood, comes alive with roof top parties, free gelato and singing in the street.  When the lights come back on everyone returns to their routines - until the young child flicks the switch.  This beautiful book truly evokes the feeling of a neighbourhood brought together by a minor crisis and reminds us of the importance of taking time out to be together.

Primary (and grown-ups)

Watch the book trailer including clips of New Yorkers remembering the blackout of 2003.