54 pages • 1 hour read
David LaskinThe Children's Blizzard
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.