This book is an excellent example of how your pride can get in the way of making the right decisions. Velma Jean is the bravest of her seven brothers and sisters even though she is one of the middle children. Throughout this picture book, you are able to see how even though she can do things her siblings cant, when it comes to a tornado, she is anything but brave. This is a captivating story of unconditional love and understanding as her little sister comes out and reassure her she will be safe in the storm cellar. This book represents how Velma jean's pride is overcome at the end by making sure people know her sister faced a tornado face to face. I would read this southern picture book to a group of first graders because I feel as thought they would understand the concept of pride. ( )