The Children's Blizzard: A Touching Story Of Courage And Tragedy | David Laskin

In The Children’s Blizzard, author David Laskin paints a heartbreaking portrait of a snowstorm that swept across the Midwest in 1888, taking the lives of hundreds of people, most of them children. This is a haunting and well-researched narrative that captures both the horror and heroism of one of America’s deadliest natural disasters. By weaving together the stories of survivors and victims alike, Laskin brings to life this tragedy and its lasting impact on an entire region. With vivid detail and gripping prose, The Children’s Blizzard is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of human spirit.

Table of Contents

The Children’s Blizzard Review

The Children’s Blizzard, written by David Laskin, is a captivating, heartbreaking account of one of the deadliest winter storms in American history. On January 12, 1888, a wave of snow and ice swept across the Great Plains with temperatures plummeting to as low as -40 F. It was a disaster that would claim the lives of over 500 people and leave thousands more homeless and destitute.

Key Features:

1. An epic tale of tragedy and courage that brings to life one of America’s darkest days.

2. A vivid portrait of an era when settlers were struggling to tame a wild land.

3. An exploration of how everyday people survived and even triumphed in the face of tremendous adversity.

4. Detailed accounts from survivors to create an intimate picture of a forgotten time in our nation’s history.

In The Children’s Blizzard, David Laskin has crafted an unforgettable story about the resilience of human spirit. Drawing upon eyewitness accounts, diaries, journals, letters, and newspaper articles, he vividly paints a picture of the blizzard’s devastation and its aftermath. He also captures the bravery and resourcefulness of those who endured the storm—from pioneers who sacrificed their own lives to save their families to Civil War veterans who helped strangers survive in desperate conditions. With incredible detail and compassion, Laskin brings this remarkable event to life.

Product Details

Title	Author	Publisher
The Children’s Blizzard	David Laskin	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date
March 2, 2004
Number of Pages
400 pages
ISBN-10/ISBN-13
0060520760/9780060520767

The Children’s Blizzard Pros and Cons

1.Pros
• This award-winning book, The Children’s Blizzard, tells the heartbreaking story of a deadly winter storm that hit the Midwest in January 1888.
• Author David Laskin weaves together the accounts of survivors and witnesses to create an unforgettable portrait of human courage and resilience.
• The vivid descriptions help readers to truly experience what it was like on that fateful day in 1888.
2.Cons
• The Children’s Blizzard is not for the faint of heart as it contains some graphic details about the effects of the storm on its victims.
• It is written in a style that may be too dense for some readers, so they may find it difficult to stay engaged with the narrative.
• The book does not offer much insight into how this natural disaster impacted the people and communities in the long-term.

Who are They for

The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin is an incredibly gripping account of one of the most devastating American disasters of all time. An unforgettable tale of bravery, heroism and tragedy, The Children’s Blizzard tells the story of a horrific blizzard that killed hundreds of children in the Midwest on January 12, 1888.

In this book, Laskin takes a deep dive into the history surrounding this fateful day. He examines the events leading up to the blizzard and how it impacted not only those who lost their lives, but also their families, communities and nation as a whole. With vivid descriptions and compelling interviews with survivors and descendants, The Children’s Blizzard paints a powerful picture of human courage amidst unimaginable suffering.

Using his meticulous research, Laskin brings to life an incredible story of survival and resilience in the face of extreme hardship. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in our nation’s past, as well as for those looking for an inspiring example of strength in the face of adversity. The Children’s Blizzard is an amazing story that will stay with you long after you put it down.

My Experience for The Children’s Blizzard

I’m so glad I read The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin! This powerful book really opened my eyes to a time in American history that I had never heard of before, and it was fascinating.

It tells the story of the devastating blizzard that struck the Midwest on January 12th, 1888. It was one of the worst blizzards in American history, with temperatures dropping to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and winds of up to 70 miles per hour.

I was amazed at how Laskin paints such a vivid picture of what it was like for those who lived through the storm, from farmers to school children. He details the human toll that this storm took, as well as how it changed the landscape of America forever.

The narrative is full of suspense and tragedy, and Laskin does an incredible job of bringing the characters to life. His writing is captivating and makes for a truly moving experience.

If you’re looking for a great read about American history, then look no further than The Children’s Blizzard. It will be sure to keep you entertained while also educating you about a forgotten time in our nation’s past.

What I don’t Like

1. The Children’s Blizzard does not provide any photographs to illustrate the true hardship of the blizzard of 1888.
2. The book relies heavily on statistical information, which may be difficult for some readers to understand.
3. It can be difficult to emotionally connect with the characters in the story because they are not described in detail.
4. The Children’s Blizzard focuses mainly on the tragedy and does not include enough information about how people coped with such a devastating event.
5. The book lacks an explicit moral message or lesson at the end of the narrative.

How to Understand the Devastating Impact of the Children’s Blizzard

The Children’s Blizzard, written by David Laskin, is a gripping account of the deadliest natural disaster in American history. On January 12, 1888, a blizzard with hurricane-force winds and blinding snow struck the central United States. The storm lasted only a few hours but took the lives of an estimated 500 to 700 people. Most were immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia who had settled in remote rural areas of the Great Plains. Many of these victims were children.

This book provides an opportunity to understand the devastating impact of this fateful day on both individuals and communities. Through vivid details about those affected and first-hand accounts of survivors, readers gain insight into the struggles faced by immigrant families during this period. Additionally, The Children’s Blizzard sheds light on how communities pulled together after such a tragedy, providing comfort and support for those left behind.

In order to fully understand the impact of the Children’s Blizzard, readers should consider not only the physical damage caused by that terrible storm but also its emotional toll. Taking time to reflect on how this event influenced generations afterwards will bring deeper understanding of its far-reaching consequences.

Questions about The Children’s Blizzard

What is The Children’s Blizzard?

The Children’s Blizzard, by David Laskin, is a non-fiction historical account of the “Children’s Blizzard” that occurred in 1888 in the Midwest US. It tells the story of the lives of ordinary people affected by this tragic event and how it changed their lives forever.

Who should read The Children’s Blizzard?

The Children’s Blizzard is an excellent read for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about life in 19th century America. It is also an intriguing and emotional story that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

What kind of events does The Children’s Blizzard cover?

The Children’s Blizzard covers the extraordinary events surrounding the blizzard of 1888, often referred to as “The Schoolchildren’s Blizzard” because it took place when hundreds of children were walking home from school. It was an incredibly powerful storm with wind gusts up to 70 mph, temperatures dropping to -40°F, and drifts reaching 25 feet high.

What other topics does The Children’s Blizzard explore?

In addition to exploring the physical effects of the storm, The Children’s Blizzard also examines its human cost by delving into the stories of those who survived or perished during this tragedy. With vivid detail and stirring emotion, author David Laskin paints a picture of what it was like to live through such a harrowing event and explores its long-lasting impact on those it touched.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.