54 pages 1 hour read

David Laskin

The Children's Blizzard

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin recounts the catastrophic January 12, 1888, blizzard that swept through multiple Midwestern states, including Nebraska and South Dakota, tragically claiming many lives, especially those of children. The event highlighted the vulnerabilities of immigrant communities in the Great Plains and led to significant changes in the national weather prediction system. Descriptions include a natural disaster resulting in fatalities from exposure.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

David Laskin's The Children's Blizzard masterfully combines meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling, recounting the 1888 prairie disaster. While praised for vivid descriptions and emotional depth, some critics find it occasionally bogged down by excessive detail. Laskin's powerful narrative remains a poignant tribute to the human spirit.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Children's Blizzard?

The ideal reader for David Laskin's The Children's Blizzard is someone who enjoys historical narratives and disaster stories, much like fans of Erik Larson's Isaac's Storm or Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken. They appreciate detailed storytelling that combines human experiences with meticulous research on historical events.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

History: World

Genre

Historical Fiction

Action / Adventure

Themes

Relationships: Family

Society: Community

Society: Economics