The Schoolchildren's Blizzard (On My Own History) (Paperback)

by Marty Rhodes Figley (Author), Shelly O. Haas (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: Miss Freeman

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-This fast-paced, high-interest tale set in Nebraska is based on the true story of Minnie Freeman, a teacher who led her students to safety through the deadly blizzard of January 12, 1888. Two sisters, nine-year-old Sarah and seven-year-old Annie, set off to school on an exceptionally warm winter day. During recess, a bitter wind blows and it begins to snow. Before long, the tiny sod schoolhouse's roof is ripped off and they are exposed to the elements. Realizing that they will surely freeze if they stay put, Miss Freeman ties all 16 of her students together with a long rope and they walk to safety through the blinding storm. Well-painted, realistic watercolors depict their struggle to find a safe haven and blend well with the exciting text. A good choice for newly independent readers, this story can be used in conjunction with the study of 19th-century prairie life.
Karen Land, Greenport Public School, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

From Booklist
Gr. 1-3. On an unusually warm January morning in 1888, Sarah and her little sister, Annie, walk from their prairie farmhouse to their one-room, sod schoolhouse. At lunchtime, the temperature drops and a blizzard roars in, lifting part of the roof off the school. Their teacher ties each of the 16 students to a rope and leads them to her home, half a mile through the blinding, treacherous snowstorm. In an afterword, Figley notes that during the actual Nebraska storm known as the Schoolchildren's Blizzard, "many children died on their way home from school." The realistic interplay between Sarah and Annie will draw young readers into this simple, vivid story of natural catastrophe and native courage. Haas' paintings colorfully depict the changing weather as well as shifting emotions of the characters. Printed in large type with plenty of white space, this tale from the On My Own History series makes an exciting, accessible addition to the easy-reading shelves and a prime candidate for primary-grade assignments of fiction based on natural disasters. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575056194
• ISBN-13: 978-1575056197
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #325,505 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #6 in

  Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Weather > Fiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine book to read to your children, June 10, 2004

By A Customer

The language used evokes the time and place in which the story takes place. The characters are believable, and the story is inspiring because it is a retelling of an actual event. I have read all of this author's books, and my children and I are always delighted. I hope she keeps writing.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, March 11, 2004

By A Customer

This vivid and poignant book is a must-have for any elementary classroom library. The descriptions, pictures, and over all story are exquisite.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for character building, May 18, 2009

By	M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We love the pioneering spirit. This book teaches consideration, perseverance, courtesy, and loving your sibling. The illustrations are vivid, the emotions are real but not overwhelming, and the heroic schoolteacher and her students survive the blizzard. This book is a keeper!