Plot Summary

Earthquake at Dawn

Kristiana Gregory
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Earthquake at Dawn

Nonfiction | Biography | Middle Grade | Published in 1996

Book Brief

Kristiana Gregory

Earthquake at Dawn

Nonfiction | Biography | Middle Grade | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

222

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

San Francisco, California • 1900s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

Earthquake at Dawn by Kristiana Gregory follows young photographer Edith Irvine and her assistant, Daisy Valentine, who find themselves amid the chaos of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. As Edith documents the destruction, they encounter various challenges, including martial law and fires, while seeking Edith's father. Their journey leads them to rescue citizens and eventually find refuge in Golden Gate Park. The book involves sensitive topics like gun violence and the impacts of natural disasters.

Suspenseful

Emotional

Challenging

Gritty

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

264 ratings

61%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Earthquake at Dawn by Kristiana Gregory captures the intense experience of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake through compelling characters and vivid descriptions. Readers appreciate its historical accuracy and engaging narrative. However, some find the pacing uneven, with slower segments that may disengage younger readers. Overall, it is informative and suspenseful.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Earthquake at Dawn?

Fans of historical fiction and strong female protagonists will enjoy Kristiana Gregory's Earthquake at Dawn. Similar to readers of Laurie Halse Anderson's Fever 1793 and Karen Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy, they will appreciate this vivid portrayal of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake through compelling, resilient characters.

4.2

264 ratings

61%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

222

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

San Francisco, California • 1900s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

840L

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