First published 2018
John Hale never wanted to leave the city for the Dakota prairie. At eleven years old, he has already endured one harsh winter in this unforgiving landscape. Now he faces something far worse. The blizzard of 1888 strikes the midwest like a frozen hurricane, giving no warning to the families scattered across the plains. Within hours, ten feet of snow buries the prairie. The wind pounds John like a crushing hammer as he becomes trapped in the blinding storm. Hundreds will die in this monster blizzard. Thousands more will find themselves lost, terrified, and freezing. John must discover an inner strength he never knew he possessed. The city kid who felt out of place among the tough pioneers now battles against one of the deadliest storms in American history. His survival depends on finding his way home through the killing cold and whipping snow.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, adventure, 19th-century, american-history
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, survival
Setting: Dakota, Midwest, Prairie
Period: 1888
144 pages · Paperback · Scholastic Paperbacks