Non-fiction

Murphy, Jim. 2000. Blizzard! The storm that changed America. New York: Scholastic Press.

Summary: The east coast of the United States was hit with one of the worst blizzards of all time in March of 1888. For three days that part of the country was paralyzed by nonstop strong winds and snow. Because they were unprepared many people were trapped away from their homes. Trains were tossed off of track and boats were blown around on the water or capsized. In this nonfiction book, Jim Murphy draws from historical resources and actual accounts to create a well written chronicle of what happened in those three days. The book tells real stories about real people and how they survived this event. It shows how unprepared our nation was at that time for such a weather related calamity because our weather reporting systems were not nearly as developed as they are today. Also, it shows nature took its toll on people’s ability to communicate, travel and provide basic needs for their families. It also tells the stories of brave souls who endured the cold and wind to report to work because they were afraid they’d lose their jobs and of poor immigrants who worked hard shoveling snow to earn a few extra dollars. It is estimated that about 400 lives were lost during the storm, but lessons were also learned. After many electrical wires snapped during the storm, creating communication problems and safety issues, cities began to bury wires underground. New city ordinances were created and an underground subway was built in New York in the years following the blizzard. Cities also began to plan for events such as blizzards so they would not be caught off guard in the future. This interesting account is filled with stories of individuals whose lives were affected by this act of nature, some tragic, some humorous, but all true.

Analysis/Impressions: Award winning author Jim Murphy has created another excellent nonfiction work for young adults in this book. His research skills and superior writing skills have given him the authority and the reputation he has in this genre. In his source notes at the end of the book he acknowledges where he gained much of his information for this book. He examined letters of reminiscence about the blizzard from the New York Historical Society. He cites books and other sources that were helpful in his research. These cited sources also provide more information for those who would like to do more research on this subject. He also acknowledges the services of several east coast historical societies who helped him locate information and provided photographs.

The book seems to be organized in a narrative fashion. Each chapter title looks like the title of a story. The writing is clear but not oversimplified and is appropriate for young adult audiences, but might also appeal to adults who are interested in the subject. The tone is mostly neutral but at times humorous. One particularly humorous account of the story involves a young man who is wandering around in the snowstorm trying to find a store to purchase a corset needle for his aunt. According to the boy’s account, when he stopped a stranger to ask if knew where he could find one, he “learned a few new and attractive profane expressions to add to my already fair vocabulary of cuss words . . .” (Murphy 2000, 40)

In addition to the table of contents and the author’s notes on sources, a helpful alphabetical index is provided as a reference aid. Students will be easily able to locate topics within the book. Even so, this book could be read for entertainment as easily as for information.

The book is illustrated with black and white photographs and drawings from the time of the blizzard. Credits for the photographs and drawings are provided on the same page along with informational captions. Some of the photographs are from the author’s own collection. One illustration is full page spread of the front page of a newspaper which put out a "Blizzard Extra”. It contains small sketches of scenes from the blizzard. While some of the drawings do seem a bit sensational, they are probably close to the truth. The photographs tell the real story of the storm. One picture shows two men walking in the hurricane force winds across Wall Street which is filled with downed electrical wires. The front and back covers are illustrated with an intriguing black and white drawing by Leonid Gore which shows the storm in its full glory.

While it would be easy to write a book just giving the facts and statistics about this blizzard, Jim Murphy incorporates stories from real people who lived through it. These people came from all walks of life: rich and poor, immigrants, business owners and average workers. This makes it more personal and easier for readers to relate to. People like to read about real people, about their struggles and also about the humorous things that happened to them. Murphy has a gift for narrative retelling of history which is evidenced in this book and in other books he has written. This book is recommended for ages 9-12.

Review Excerpts:

“This is a masterful depiction of the blizzard that struck the eastern United States in March 1888. In addition to explaining the meteorological conditions that led to its creation and sustained intensity, Murphy includes numerous accounts of those who survived and others who died.” (School Library Journal, August 2006, vol. 52, no. 8)

“In a masterful piece of storytelling, Murphy regales readers with tales of the fortitude and foolhardiness of citizens who matched wills with the blizzard. . . . This title goes well beyond gripping narrative, however, to demonstrate how the storm exposed the weakest seams in the nineteenth-century urban fabric--utility companies that ignored ordinances for buried cable; corrupt city politics that stalled efforts to introduce underground rail service; inadequate housing for masses of immigrants; a laissez-faire attitude toward snow removal and sanitation." (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, January 2001, vol. 54, no. 5)