The Blizzard Disaster
Grade 4-6-An intriguing time-travel adventure. On a farm in Minnesota in 1940, Janis's father decides that her beloved pony must be put down because of its failing eyesight. Then, on her way home from school, Janis is lost in a fierce blizzard and must depend on the horse to lead her home safely. Meanwhile, modern sixth graders Warren and Betsy utilize the Instant Commuter device to travel back in time to observe the 1940 Armistice Day snowstorm as research for a school assignment. Their machine can access any time or place, but is not always reliable. The two story lines come together in the middle of the blizzard as the time travelers risk their chance of return to rescue Janis's little sister, who has wandered out alone into the storm. The book maintains a high level of suspense throughout, and the two plot threads are seamlessly woven together. The historical aspect is particularly well developed. The blizzard scenes are described with chilling accuracy and the characters' emotional reactions are both realistic and moving.Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, ILCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.