The Snow Walker

On My Own History

by Margaret K. Wetterer, Charles M. Wetterer, Mary O'Keefe Young (Illustrator)

One morning in March 1888, twelve-year-old Milton Daub awoke to find the world buried in snow. The blizzard was like nothing Milton and his neighbors in the Bronx had ever seen. No one dared go out into the storm. No one, that is, except Milton. He and his father made a pair of snowshoes from barrel hoops and old roller skates. Then Milton stepped bravely into the storm to buy milk for his family. Soon he was buying supplies for everyone in the area. His neighbors declared him a hero. The Blizzard of 1888 set records in the Northeast that are still unbroken. It forced whole cities to shut down for days. But Milton didn't let the snow stop him from helping neighbors in need. His true story is both an exciting adventure and a heartwarming glimpse of old New York.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[Esther Barajikian · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Snow Walker" is an historical fiction book that is intended for primary and early intermediate readers. It tells the true story of a boy, Milton Daub, who braved the famous Blizzard of 1888. With a pair of homemade snowshoes, Milton walked the streets of his Bronx, New York neighborhood providing food and medicine for his neighbors.

The story moves along at a quick pace that would appeal to children, and the main character, Milton is very likable. The ongoing theme of giving up one-self's comfort and safety for the sake of others is a much needed message in the day and age in which we live. The illustrations in this little book are simple, yet colorful and appealing. They assist the reader in visualizing the journey of this young man in his quest to meet the needs of his own family as well as his neighbor.

I gave "The Snow Walker" a 3-star rating for its easy-read style and important theme. This would be a great book to use with elementary children to introduce the form and elements of historical fiction.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an On My Own History book. It is the story of Milton Daub. He was twelve years old during The Great Blizzard of 1888. He lived in the Bronx with his family. He had been learning about the Alaska Territory in school and had seen pictures of snowshoes. He and his father decided to try and make some. They were able to craft some together and Milton ended up going back and forth between a grocery store and took a trip to a pharmacy to deliver groceries and medicine to neighbors. This was an intense deadly storm which took the lives of 400 people. Very well written story about a hardworking and kind boy who helped many during the storm. This is a great story to read to young kids.

[Alissa Faust · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great retelling of the blizzard of 1888. A brave boy named Milton goes to get milk for his family and ends up bringing groceries to other families along the way on his make shift snow shoes. Milton is even able to get medicine to save the life of a neighbor! This is a great early chapter book style adventurous historical fiction.

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty exciting (for an easy reader) book about an enterprising boy in the 1888 blizzard. I think it'd be a good read-aloud, too.

[Phylisha Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great childrens book.

[Aisley Faust · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and how it shows the gratifications of service. Milton was so kind and helpful.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and true story about a young boy who helped his neighborhood obtain food, milk, medicine and other needed items when the whole area was snowbound during the blizzard of 1888. With some ingenuity, hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, young Milton Daub was not only able to get milk for his family, but he made a bunch of money making trips back and forth from the store to his neighbors. I like that he never charged more than the cost of the item, but due to the generosity of his neighbors, who were more than thankful for his service, he was able to bring home a nice tidy sum to his family. We really liked this story and I loved that it is true. We enjoyed listening to this story narrated on audiocassette while we followed along with the story.

[Katie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the story of Milton Daub's adventure in the Blizzard of 1888.
I would use this book for a history lesson and for a reading response writing assignment.