Blizzard!: The Storm that Changed America by Jim Murphy

Bibliography
Murphy, Jim. 2000. Blizzard! the storm that changed America. New York: Scholastic Press.  ISBN 9780590673099

Plot Summary

This book focuses on the massive snow storms that moved across the country in March of 1888 which completely shut down the northeast.  The book pays close attention to the events that happened in New York City giving the reader an inside look at what citizens went through as they battled the bitter cold storm that brought down power lines, trapped people in their homes without enough food or supplies, and brought many to their deaths.  Jim Murphy takes the reader through the events that led up to the storm, what happened during the storm, and the challenges of life after the storm in this exciting book.  

Critical Analysis

The accuracy of this books appears to be strong and is discussed in detail by the author in the notes section. The author discusses the many sources he used including letters written by the Society of Blizzard Men and Blizzard Ladies, the New-York Historical Society, and many, many books that were written on the topic of this snow storm.  The author also detailed newspapers he consulted that were published all the way back to 1888 on the days of the storm.  Photographs and illustrations used in the book also give specific citations indicating where they were taken from.  

The organization and design of this book are strong in that it shows clear sequence and the use of graphics nicely compliments the text.  The author breaks the story into a day by day account giving the reader a feel as if they are experiencing a look at the storm in the same way the people in the book did.  There is also a table of contents in the beginning book.  The design complements the subject matter in that the graphics are all sepia toned to lend to the old fashioned feel of the 1800s.  Some graphics are actual photographs of the storm while others are illustrations.  Both types help the reader to visualize what they are reading.  

The style of this book is particularly impressive.  Readers will feel a sense of excitement as they go through the book and see the destruction that the snow storm creates.  The author also takes opportunities to educate the young readers so that they are understanding the technicalities of what they are reading.  An example of this can be seen when he defines a blizzard as "any storm where snow is accompanied by temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, plus winds of at least 35 miles per hour."   

The aspect of this story that is particularly interesting is how the citizens reacted to the storm and worked together to survive.  Many people extended their homes to strangers, provided shelter to homeless, and worked tirelessly to repair the damage caused by the storm.  The book shows how rich and poor alike survived or succumbed to the elements and this is what I found to be most interesting of all. 

Review Excerpts

• Chosen as an outstanding book by the Junior Library Guild
• School Library Journal-"Overall, a superb piece of writing and history."

Connections

*View a youtube video that features an eyewitness account from a man that experienced the blizzard.  http://youtu.be/YylGRE1HzrM

*The Great Fire-a similar title by Jim Murphy that chronicles The Great Fire of 1871 in Chicago.  ISBN 9780439203074