TUESDAY AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB 

The morning of January 12, 1888 was unusually mild in the Dakota Territory.  After bouts of severe cold weather, homesteaders were ready for their children to head out to school without their heavy coats.  But at the hour schools were being dismissed a terrifying fast moving blizzard appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.  In Melanie Benjamin’s book “The Children’s Blizzard” readers learn the story of two young school teachers, Gerda and Raina Olson, sisters teaching in 2 different schools.  They both were suddenly faced with impossible decisions – how to keep the children safe; can we get them home; how are we going to stay warm.  

The Tuesday Afternoon Book Club discussed this book at their January meeting – a perfect time to read a book about a winter blizzard.   The story tells of the decisions made by the teachers but also focuses on the children of the prairie.  The true story also tells of a local newsman who wrote stories about immigrant families.  It is a story of courage, of children being forced to grow up too soon, and of family lives being changed by the forces of nature. 

Book Club members highly recommend this book.  If you have ever been caught in blowing snow or a blizzard you can certainly identify with the characters in the story.  But remember this happened over 100 years ago – before cars, electricity, snowplows, or cell phones. A nightmare!!  How would you react in a similar situation?

Stop by the LeRoy Public Library to check out this book or one of many others on the shelves.  Winter is a great time to spend reading.  There are many good books available.   All you need is your Library Card.