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CM . . .
. Volume XXIII Number 23. . . February 24, 2017
excerpt:
During a severe ice storm in Montreal in 1998, 12-year-old Ethan is faced with his greatest challenge yet when his elderly neighbour breaks her leg and his pregnant stepmother goes into labour. With the power out and ice coating the streets, Ethan must find help. Braving the cold temperatures, he ventures out into the dangerous streets where he quickly forgets his pre teen angst as he switches into survival mode. His first attempt at getting help from a neighbourhood friend fails when he realizes he cannot contact them in their apartment without the electric door buzzer. On his own, he must make his way through the treacherous elements to the main street of town to find help. This suspenseful, yet relatable title will engage a wide range of readers. The controlled vocabulary, illustrations and short length will be of benefit to reluctant readers while the story, itself, will draw in readers looking for an exciting realistic read. Ethan’s narrative incorporates the many frustrations of being 12 years-old, and the storm, itself, echoes the tumultuous and unknown territory Ethan is entering as his world shifts and changes with the addition of a new stepmother and a new sibling. Based on true events, Ice Storm! The Great Storm of 1998 will be a winner where the “I Survived” series has been well received, and the focus on Canadian events will make it a strong addition to collections in need of Canadian content. Historical notes found at the end of the book provide context and information for readers looking to learn more about the storm, itself. Recommended. Danielle Wing is a librarian in Vancouver, BC.
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