Terror at Turtle Mountain

Disaster Strikes! #1

by Penny Draper

At 4:00 a.m., April 29, 1903, Nathalie lies awake in the booming coal town of Frank, at the base of Turtle Mountain, listening for the whistle of a train--the Spokane Flyer, bringing her American cousin Helena for a visit.

Instead, Nathalie hears rocks tumbling down the mountain onto the town and the railway track. She and her mother are safe, but what about others? As she helps search for survivors, desperate questions fill her mind. How many have died? Will the men inside the mine be safe? Will the train be stopped in time?

That morning, the northeast face of Turtle Mountain dropped one hundred million tons of limestone on the town. Seventy-six people died, but twenty-three were rescued from under the rocks, seventeen escaped from the mine, and the Flyer was stopped in time.

This is a beautifully written novel, with engaging characters and authentic historical detail. It's a story of discovery, as Nathalie--Nattie to her friends--finds her own strengths and skills and the courage to use them.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Canada, Young Adult, Childrens

168 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

About the author

Penny Draper is the award-winning author of numerous books for kids and teens. When she's not writing about disasters or dancers or gigantic lake monsters, she can often be found zooming around on her motorbike or standing on her head in yoga class. Before Penny started writing books, she told stories orally, working for many years as a professional storyteller. She shared stories at schools, libraries, castles, festivals, on radio and television and once from inside a bear's belly. But that's another story. Penny currently calls Victoria, British Columbia home. For more information, please visit www.pennydraper.ca.

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds a very special place in my heart and it was quite the day for me when I discovered it again after all these years. I was first introduced to it through the Silver Birch program - it's the only book I remember from the program and I'd say it was one of my favourites at the time (in 2007 to be exact).

I even remember meeting the author and getting my copy signed at the lakefront. This is also the book the prompted me to visit the site of the slide, out in BC, just to see the sheer magnitude of the destruction that it caused. I can still see the sea of rocks in my head.

Almost 8 years later I picked it once more and even now I still adore it. Perhaps not as much as I did when I was a kid, but there is a sort of nostalgia that I hold with this book, as well as the emotional attachment I've formed with it.

Books based on historical events have come to be some of my favourites and this one is no exception.

[Amanda Medernach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to decide whether it should be weeded or not. Well, the answer is definitely not! I loved it! The Frank slide was a very significant historical event that affected so many people. This Canadian author writes the story from the perspective of a young girl who survives and wants to help. It's amazing how determination can make a young girl so brave.

[Heather Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Young Adult historical fiction. This author tells stories around Canadian disasters. The storyline was fast moving, humorous at times, emotional and extremely informative. I learned so much about the landslide in Frank, Canada.

[Kathy MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice read. The historical events are tragic but the desire to live and the heroic efforts of the rescuers are inspiring.

[Ashley Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had me crying by the end!

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite part was when Helena got to visit Nathalie. The worst part was when there was a rock slide in Frank. My favourite character was Nathalie because she rescued some people. There was no worst character.