The Great Blizzard of 1888.

On March 12, 1888, the entire Northeastern United States was crippled by a blinding snowstorm that even the National Weather Service was unable of predicting, due to their Sunday closure until 5pm. I was able to get my hands on one book that specifically focuses on this blizzard in particular and it was quite enjoyable!

High, Linda Oatman.

City of Snow: The Great Blizzard of 1888.
2004.
Walter and Company: New York, NY.


Linda Oatman High allows readers to vividly imagine life in 1888, as a spring blizzard cripples the Northeastern United States, having a huge impact in New York City especially! Also known as the "Great White Hurricane," this blizzard was responsible for more than 400 deaths and the sinking of 200 ships along the east coast. Starting out as rain and then quickly turning to a snow that lasted nearly 4 days, people were stranded without staples such as meat, milk and the coal needed for heating.

Between the illustrations by Laura Francesca Filippucci and the text produced by Linda Oatman High, this story provides a wonderful springboard for children to compare and contrast life in the late 1800's to life today - how modern technologies and inventions have ensured that our lives are not as impacted by these white hurricanes! Along with the fictional text, Oatman-High provides a wealth of information about life in 1888 and the impact that this blizzard had on major cities in the Northeast. She also allows readers, through the "Author's Note" to discover many facts that are of interest to the time period and the blizzard itself!

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.