Blizzard!

Murphy, Jim. Blizzard!. New York : Scholastic Press, 2000.

Plot: Murphy offers an in-depth look at the 1888 blizzard's effect on New York City and the surrounding area through photographs, biographies, and illustrations. After a mellow winter, New York suddenly found itself in the middle of two large, frigid storms. The snow blocked transportation, supplies, and communication. It also lasted longer than expected, catching the off-guard population without basic supplies such as food or fuel. Hundreds died due to exposure during the storms and their aftermath. As a result of the unexpected weather, the United States changed. Cities became responsible for their people's safety in natural disasters, and mandated new communication, transportation, cleaning, and services ordinances that remain in use even in modern times.

Genre: History

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Great Fire, Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting

Personal Thoughts: The text reviews the most influential weather event no one knows about. Perhaps my assessment is harsh (I live in a chronically snowless part of the world), but not too many people mention the blizzard of 1888, which is unfortunate. The storms did cause lasting effects across the nation. Through the panic following the blizzard, weather forecasting took a national importance. Additionally, hazards caused by the weather sparked new rules for communication lines, city development, civic workers, and transportation methods. They even initiated some of the first litter laws. While not everyone in the United States suffered from the snow, the entire country still responds to its effects.