"The Children's Blizzard" is a historical non-fiction book written by David Laskin. Published in 2004, the book chronicles the devastating events of the Schoolhouse Blizzard that occurred on January 12, 1888, across the Great Plains of the United States.
The blizzard, also known as the "Children's Blizzard" due to the significant number of schoolchildren affected, struck suddenly and with ferocity. Laskin meticulously recounts the experiences of the settlers, primarily immigrants and their families, who were caught in the midst of the storm. The narrative weaves together personal stories, historical accounts, and meteorological analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the tragedy.
The storm's suddenness and intensity caught many off guard, especially the children who were at school during its onset. The book explores the harrowing decisions made by teachers and parents to protect the young students, often with tragic consequences. The blizzard resulted in numerous deaths, leaving a lasting impact on the communities affected.
Laskin delves into the broader historical context, examining the challenges faced by the settlers in the harsh environment of the Great Plains and the subsequent changes in weather forecasting and public policy that emerged in the aftermath of the disaster.
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