I Survived · #22
I Survived the Wellington Avalanche, 1910
The Wellington snow slide of 1910 was—and still is—the deadliest avalanche in America’s history. Lauren Tarshis's story of one child surviving the frozen nightmare pounds with page-turning action and heartwarming hope.
The snow came down faster than train crews could clear the tracks, piling up in drifts 20 feet high. At the Wellington train depot in the Cascade Mountains, two trains sat stranded, blocked in by snow slides to the east and west. Some passengers braved the storm to hike off the mountain, but many had no choice but to wait out the storm.
But the storm didn’t stop. One day passed, then two, three . . . six days. The snow turned to rain. Then, just after midnight on March 1, a lightning storm struck the mountain, sending a ten-foot-high wave of snow barreling down the mountain. The trains tumbled 150 feet. 96 people were dead.
The Wellington avalanche forever changed railroad engineering. New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tells the tale of one girl who survived, emerging from the snow forever changed herself.
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Start a discussionThe series
In I Survived, history comes to life through the eyes of young protagonists who face some of the most unforgettable and terrifying events the world has ever seen. Each book in this gripping series takes readers on a journey through history, where disaster strikes, but survival is the ultimate triumph. From natural catastrophes like hurricanes and volcanic eruptions to the chaos of war and political unrest, the characters in this series are thrust into life-or-death situations that challenge everything they thought they knew about bravery, fear, and the human spirit.
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What makes I Survived stand out is its ability to blend historical events with relatable, heartfelt stories of survival. Every young hero in the series is thrown into a world of danger, yet each narrative is infused with hope and resilience. Whether it's a young girl surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor or a boy trying to escape the destruction of the Titanic, the characters' emotional journeys are as captivating as the historical events themselves. The authenticity and emotional depth of these stories give readers a unique perspective on some of the most significant moments in history.
The series not only educates but also empowers. By focusing on young survivors, it encourages readers to confront challenges in their own lives, showing them that, no matter how overwhelming a situation may seem, strength and courage can make all the difference. The historical accuracy paired with fast-paced, gripping storytelling creates an immersive reading experience that resonates long after the last page is turned.
Whether you're a young reader looking for adventure or an educator seeking a way to make history feel immediate and real, I Survived offers a collection of unforgettable stories that prove, no matter the odds, survival is always possible.
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