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.
Lauren Tarshis
Lauren Tarshis, best known for her I Survived series, has captivated young readers with her ability to turn history’s most harrowing events into stories of survival, resilience, and bravery. Growing up in a family that valued creativity and storytelling, Tarshis discovered her love for writing early, but it wasn't until later in life that she found her true passion in writing historical fiction for children.
Her I Survived series, which chronicles the experiences of young protagonists who face some of the most tumultuous moments in history—from natural disasters to wars—has earned her a devoted following. Each book in the series immerses readers in the emotional and physical challenges of survival, allowing them to experience history through the eyes of a child who, despite overwhelming odds, finds hope and strength.
I Survived
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.
I Survived consists of twenty-four books — series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
