Book details
Flooded (Scholastic Gold): Requiem for Johnstown
Description
On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam built to create a man-made lake for America's wealthiest businessmen collapsed, unleashing twenty million tons of water onto the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, below; told in the voices of six children and many others this is the story of the ordinary people of the town, their losses and their survival--and of the bitter aftermath when those for whom the dam was built denied all responsibility for the shoddy dam and the unnatural disaster which it caused.. Told in blank verse.
Age
9-14
Text complexity
proficient
Length
336 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: 'Flooded: Requiem for Johnstown' offers readers a deep dive into the tragic events of the Johnstown Flood of 1889, providing historical context and insight into one of the deadliest disasters in American history.
- Emotional Connection: Through her poetic narrative, Ann E. Burg creates an emotional connection between the reader and the characters, allowing one to empathize with the victims and survivors of the flood, thereby humanizing the historical event.
- Literary Excellence: As a Scholastic Gold title, this book is recognized for its literary merit, ensuring readers a well-crafted story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
- Educational Value: Reading this book can serve as an educational tool, teaching about the consequences of industrial-era negligence, the impact of natural disasters on communities, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.