54 pages • 1 hour read
The Children's Blizzard
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Book Brief
336
Book • Nonfiction
Great Plains • 1880s
2004
Adult
16+ years
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.
Dark
Unnerving
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
25,710 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
25,710 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lieutenant Thomas Mayhew Woodruff
Lieutenant Thomas Mayhew Woodruff
A weather reporter for the Signal Corps, stationed in St. Paul, Minnesota; he faced challenges predicting weather patterns during critical events, including the Children’s Blizzard.
Brigadier General Adolphus Greely
Brigadier General Adolphus Greely
The commander of the Signal Corps known for his efforts to organize the department and deal with political pressures impacting weather reporting during events like the Children's Blizzard.
Etta Shattuck
Etta Shattuck
A 19-year-old Methodist schoolteacher who survived the Children’s Blizzard by ingeniously using a haystack for shelter while trying to navigate through the storm.
336
Book • Nonfiction
Great Plains • 1880s
2004
Adult
16+ years
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