The Children’s Blizzard

A Novel

by Melanie Benjamin

Melanie Benjamin has written a number of works of historical fiction. One of my favorites was The Aviator’s Wife which told the moving story of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I recommend that one highly. I also recommend The Children’s Blizzard.

The novel is based on a harrowing situation that occurred on The Great Plains in the late 1800s. As can be guessed from the title, a huge blizzard took place on a day that had been warm and gave no indication of what was to follow. Decisions had to be made by the teachers about how to best help their students. Should their pupils be sent home or should they remain hunkered down in the school? Each choice had potential and real repercussions.

The novel tells the story of two young sisters who made differing decisions for their classes. How did these choices impact them, their students and their community? What other stories arose from the incident and what other characters were affected? Read this engrossing novel to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.