A review by pagingmrsvarnum
Flooded: Requiem for Johnstown by Ann E. Burg

informative sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This book is a powerful piece of middle-grade historical fiction written in verse. This was the first of Burg’s books that I’ve read that uses multiple POVs. I did get a little bogged down during the first half of the book trying to keep my narrators straight, but once I let go of that and started focusing on the story, I was able to enjoy the narrative. The author was intentional in her selection of narrators, and I found each portion compelling and inspiring. I have a special place in my librarian’s heart for novels in verse that pair powerful words with poignant form, and this book does exactly that through shapes and text color (though I would also like to enjoy this book in audio form).

This is a middle-grade book, but it deals with grief, greed, and tragedy in a very powerful way. It’s a novel in verse, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy read. This is a book that could easily be taught and shared with students in elementary, middle, and high schools. Grades 3+

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