The BLIZZARD DISASTER [Hardcover]

Peg Kehret (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998 | Age Level: 9 and up

Warren Spaulding and Betsy Tyler have teleported themselves back to Minnesota to learn about the Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940. But their interest in the storm of the century turns to horror when they realize that the Instant Computer is frozen.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-An intriguing time-travel adventure. On a farm in Minnesota in 1940, Janis's father decides that her beloved pony must be put down because of its failing eyesight. Then, on her way home from school, Janis is lost in a fierce blizzard and must depend on the horse to lead her home safely. Meanwhile, modern sixth graders Warren and Betsy utilize the Instant Commuter device to travel back in time to observe the 1940 Armistice Day snowstorm as research for a school assignment. Their machine can access any time or place, but is not always reliable. The two story lines come together in the middle of the blizzard as the time travelers risk their chance of return to rescue Janis's little sister, who has wandered out alone into the storm. The book maintains a high level of suspense throughout, and the two plot threads are seamlessly woven together. The historical aspect is particularly well developed. The blizzard scenes are described with chilling accuracy and the characters' emotional reactions are both realistic and moving.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-6. Science and historical fiction blend in Kehret's second natural-disaster story for middle-grade readers. Sixth-graders Warren and Betsy secretly take the Instant Commuter time machine back to November 11, 1940, Minnesota, to research the worst blizzard of the century. In 1940, 12-year-old Janis fears her father will put her horse Pansy down while she is at school. When the weather worsens and school ends early, Janis must struggle home through blinding snow, unaware that her father has abandoned his search for her, unhitching Pansy to find her way home as well. Then the Instant Commuter freezes up, and Warren and Betsy are stranded, too. Although the plot is predictable--Pansy rescues Janis, the resourceful kids thaw the time machine just in time, and their fire saves Janis' little sister--the researchers have material for a wonderful narrative report, and although readers may wonder how Janis, clad only in a sweater, manages to survive, the story is fast paced and exciting. Chris Sherman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067100963X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671009632
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,327,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've published 45 books; all but two are for children. I wrote magazine articles, short stories, and plays for many years before I discovered that what I like best is to write books for kids.
When I was twelve, I was paralyzed with polio. I made almost a full recovery but I remember that time of my life so clearly that it's easy for me to write from the viewpoint of a twelve or thirteen-year-old.
I'm always thrilled when one of my books wins a state young reader award, because I know those awards are voted on by children.
I am a widow who was married for 48 years. I have two grown children and four grandchildren. I live on a small wildlife sanctuary near Mt. Rainier National Park and I often have deer and elk in my yard.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Blizzerd Disaster is a very exiting book!, November 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The BLIZZARD DISASTER (Hardcover)

The Blizzard Diaster is a very exiting book! Ellie has a big sister named Janis.They both get lost in a blizzard.Read to find out if they survive!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I could run the instant commuter and go everywhere., November 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The BLIZZARD DISASTER (Hardcover)

The Blizzard Disaster story was a good book. The instant commuter was really neat! I liked Ellie's imaginary squirrel friend. Ellie said he grew a new tail! I hope Peg Kehret's next book is good because I'm going to read it!

4.0 out of 5 stars The Blizzard Disaster, August 23, 2008

By 

J. Lindner (Gem Lake, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Blizzard Disaster (Frightmares) (Paperback)

This book is well written and entertaining. It's also improbable but that's all part of the story. Two modern teenagershave this device where they can touch a map or a photograph and they transport themselves to that locale in an instant. In this case they arive in western Minnesota on November, 11, 1940, one of the most severe blizzards in state history.

Their intention is to write a report for their school, and they believe they can have better information if they go directly to the spot rather than rely on book information. Their intentions work until they hear the cries of a lost little girl who is in danger of freezing to death. While it all works out in the end (these young adult books really have no other ending), the author writes in a way that makes the story fast paced and entertaining. This is a good short book to read.