A review by jencafardi
The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin

3.0

Jarring book about the Children’s Blizzard that struck on Jan 12, 1888. It was a very warm morning so most came to school in light shawls, no coats/hats/scarves. The storm struck early afternoon when school would be letting out or soon thereafter. Most of the schoolhouses were not insulated and only had wood or coal for 1 day; they weren’t meant to shelter. The school teachers were usually aged 16-18 and just kids themselves who were forced to make big decisions. Some made good decisions that day and done didn’t. Many children died that day, hence the name “The Children’s Blizzard.” I’m grateful for modern day meteorology, warm buildings, easy ways of communicating (phones), easy light sources (flashlights/electricity). The book presents life on the prairie in the 1800s, and it’s surprising that anyone stayed as life was quite difficult.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 stars