Newspaper reports showing coverage of cyclone Tracy. Overview Cyclone Christmas can be used as a comment on the social structures of the day, from the single parent family, to the social welfare support all natural disaster victims require. Kirsten is a typical teenager coping with the loss of her home, dog, friends and privacy. Her sense of humour and her attempts to regain control of her life will endear her to her readers. The student will understand the causes and effects of events that have shaped the lives of a group of people.
Activities Ask the children how the family prepared for the cyclone.
Discuss what we would consider necessary in a similar situation. From the descriptions in the book try to find out why they chose to shelter in the bathroom and laundry. Compare with the Wizard of Oz type bunker. Find Darwin on the map. Children use newspaper reports to help answer some of these questions.