Book Review: Anna's Blizzard

Last week I received two books in the mail. One from Linda Benson, a giveaway from a few months ago that had to come 'across the ocean' - it had not been released at the time my name was pulled in the drawing. But, now I have Possum Summer by Jen Blom to look forward to reading. The other book is Going, Gone by Laura Crum. This also came by way of Equestrian Ink. Readers were offered the chance to get the book if they agreed to write a review.  


A review? Wait! I started a review on a book I received months ago. Again, this was a giveaway by Linda. But, where did that darn thing go? It's here... buried in blog post drafts, here in the back end of my blog... someplace! Ah... here it is:


I stayed up late the night this book came in the mail.  I could not go to sleep until I found out how the children in  Anna's Blizzard managed in the storm. This riveting historical fiction book by Alison Hart brings life on the prairie in the late 1800's alive for young readers. The story of the "Children's Blizzard" is narrated by Anna, a reluctant student. Readers will get a snapshot of Anna's home life and her experiences in a one-room soddy school during one of the worst blizzards of the century.  Anna's horse, Top Hat, plays an important role in the story so horse lovers will love it, too. The author includes historical information about the "Schoolchildren's Blizzard" and life on the prairie in an appendix.  

I would have loved to have had this chapter book as a third grade teacher. It would appeal to both the girls and the boys and would have been a great choice to enrich our Social Studies and Reading curricula. 


I enjoy children's literature. As a middle school teacher I began to read early adolescent titles so I could help my students find books that might appeal to them. When I taught Reading, I adopted a 'whole language' approach and used literature as a vehicle to teach reading skills. I still enjoy reading books for young readers, but what does this adult do with children's books once they are read? The books that I receive from giveaways and as gifts are 'recycled'. I take them to the therapeutic riding center where I volunteer. Each book has a label with instructions to take the book, read it and enjoy it, and bring it back for others to enjoy.