From the Boston Globe Archives |
From The Boston Globe Archives |
Read what this fifth grade student had to say:
The Great
Molasses Flood
Boston,
1919
"All of my favorite books before reading this were fiction,
but after taking in all the amazingly descriptive text and seeing all the vivid
photographs of the event I added a nonfiction book to my list. The author does
an amazing job describing exactly what happened during the event. In the past,
I had seen a play done on the molasses flood, but had never really understood
what it was all about. In the book, there are many quotes and different
perspectives of all involved. The story begins before the flood and ends six
years later- spanning the entire event. I think everyone old enough to
understand what was going on would enjoy this, my dad liked it too. There are
small portrait pictures and full two page scenes rolled beneath your eyes.
Between these extraordinary photographs and the stunning text, The Great Molasses Flood Boston, 1919 is
definitely a book to read."
~Myles
Archival photograph. |
Kops' research allowed her to give the readers a full picture of the Flood and its impact on the people and neighborhood. Told in a suspenseful manner, the reader is drawn past the flood and into the legal battle that ensued after its wake. Part history, part mystery this local Boston event will appeal to readers both near and far away.
I loved:
~~the map at the beginning of the book
It creates a necessary and invaluable visual reference for readers. Even knowing the neighborhood, I referred back to it often.
~~the statistics
The size of the tank, the amount and weight of the molasses and many other elements are broken down and explored.
~~the photographs
They speak the volumes that words could never achieve.
~~The sidebar descriptions
They provide additional background and context for understanding the flood.
~~The cast of characters
Kops introduces the main players prior to the beginning of the story making it easy to refer back for clarification.
~~The overall presentation of the book
The weight and color of the paper, the color and style of the typeface all enhance the reading experience and help establish the time and setting.
Want to know more?
Check out Deborah Kops Webpage for more information.
Check out The Boston Globe Archives
Visit the Charlesbridge Website for interviews and more.
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