I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906

I Survived

by Lauren Tarshis

The terrifying details of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake jump off the page!

Ten-year-old Leo loves being a newsboy in San Francisco -- not only does he get to make some money to help his family, he's free to explore the amazing, hilly city as it changes and grows with the new century. Horse-drawn carriages share the streets with shiny new automobiles, new businesses and families move in every day from everywhere, and anything seems possible.

But early one spring morning, everything changes. Leo's world is shaken -- literally -- and he finds himself stranded in the middle of San Francisco as it crumbles and burns to the ground. Does Leo have what it takes to survive this devastating disaster?

The I SURVIVED series continues with another thrilling story of a boy caught in one of history's most terrifying disasters!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Historical, Chapter Books, Adventure

56 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Lauren Tarshis often wonders how she came to spend most of her waking moments thinking about disasters, as the author of the children's historical fiction series "I Survived." Each book takes readers into the heart of history's most thrilling and terrifying events, including the sinking of the Titanic, the Shark Attacks of 1916, Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the San Francisco earthquake, 9/11, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Writing these books often makes her feel very nervous, as though at any moment a volcano could erupt right outside her window. Then again, she has learned a thing or two about avoiding being eaten by a shark.
Lauren is also the author of the the award-winning Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and its sequel, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love.

For more information, go to her website: www.LaurenTarshis.com

And check out the I Survived Website: www.Scholastic.com/ISurvived

Reviews

[Suhailah · Rating 4 out of 5]

◇ 5th installment of the young readers series “I Survived”◇

I did give this one a lower rating than the others because it just wasn’t as captivating. The topic was interesting; however, the characters and the way it all played out kind of lost me a bit.

What I Enjoyed
⚡️So, I didn’t really know much about this particular disaster topic and was shocked learning all the details! The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco was one of the deadliest in the history of the United States. 3000 people died.

⚡️This was another buddy listen with my hubby while we played on our virtual farm! It’s kind of unintentionally become a tradition! And, we’ve made huge progress on the farm! 🤣

⚡️I learned that moonquakes exist. I never knew this!

⚡️I was also surprised to learn that Alaska is the most prone area to earthquakes. Apparently, it is the most seismically active state in the country! I also never knew this!

⚡️I loved Grandpop's stories about all his adventures! It’s too bad the main character Leo never got to meet him.

We are excited to continue with the series!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The terrifying details of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake jump off the page! The most terrifying events in history are brought vividly to life in this new fictional series! In I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 (I Survived, #5) by Lauren Tarshis, Ten-year-old Leo loves being a newsboy in San Francisco -- not only does he get to make some money to help his family, he's free to explore the amazing, hilly city as it changes and grows with the new century. Horse-drawn carriages share the streets with shiny new automobiles, new businesses and families move in every day from everywhere, and anything seems possible. But early one spring morning, everything changes. Leo's world is shaken -- literally -- and he finds himself stranded in the middle of San Francisco as it crumbles and burns to the ground. Does Leo have what it takes to survive this devastating disaster? The I SURVIVED series continues with another thrilling story of a boy caught in one of history's most terrifying disasters!

Lauren Tarshis brings history's most exciting and terrifying events to life in this new fictional series. This reminds me of a "We Were There..." series I read as a kid. Readers will be transported by stories of amazing kids and how they survived!

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just okay for me.
Not bad, just not great *shrugs*

I did love the characters and there were some great moments in here that I loved and had me smiling/raging but the landscape/setting didn't jump out at me like with the previous installments I read. This time, it was more the people and circumstances.. if that makes sense.

Narrator: Jennifer Bronstein - four stars

3.25 stars overall for this one

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1906 SF was hit with an earthquake and fire that killed 3000 people and destroyed 80% of the city. Most of the death and destruction was caused by fires. The water lines were broken and the firemen were helpless. The city was rebuilt in less than a decade.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful YA historical fiction series that introduces the younger readers to key points that have occurred in history. This one took place in 1906 right before and during the 1906 earthquake that hit San Francisco and destroyed a good portion of the city. We get to see how this incident affected 4 orphans. 2 of them who mind their own business and 2 others who are horrible bullies who steal, lie, and like to get in trouble. I really wish the story could have been a little longer. It just went by too fast to really connect with the characters and the situation.

[Michelle Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

My almost 8 year old son and I took turns reading this out loud to each other and we both really enjoyed it.
The I Survived series are a fun historical fiction set that provide details about the event/tragedy told through the story of a child who survived the event. The story was entertaining and I learned about this tragedy that I had not really known about before we got this book.

[Joseph Haas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading "I Survived: The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906" by Lauren Tarshis. This book is about a boy named Leo, and his friends Morris, Wilkie, and Fletch. Leo and his friends have a normal day in San Francisco until a horrific earthquake happens and destroys buildings and sets off many fires. I gave this book 4 stars because it was very interesting but was boring at times. This book is historical fiction. I would recommend this book to all 6th graders because it is very interesting and short. I enjoyed reading "I Survived: The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906".

[Shadyside Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite entries in the series! A very compelling and heart wrenching story to go alongside a tragic disaster.

[Rachel Herschberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this to my 10 year old on school mornings while he waited for the bus.😊 These books are nothing groundbreaking, but he enjoys them.

[Dakota Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Response:
I really enjoyed reading this book. I would say it is one of the better books that I have read in high school. I thought the book really hooked me in and made me want to keep reading. I think that is probably why I read it in three days. Leo, who is the main character in this book is forced to choose, either save his friend Morris and risk his life in the process or get out. I think this book really was a good read and I would like to read other books in this series.

Plot:
Leo is a paperboy in San Francisco and he is just trying to make enough to get by. He lost his mom right after he was born and lost his dad at the age of 11, so he is all on his own. The only thing he has left from his dad is a small gold nugget. Thieves found out what Leo had and obviously they wanted it, so the beat up Leo to take the gold. Now Leo is forced to steal the gold, but little does he know he will end up saving the thieves lives.

Characterization:
The main character in the book is Leo. He is also my favorite character, because of how brave he is for everything he has done. He risked his life for others in this book more than one time. He also gave up his prized possession for the thieves bus ticket at the end of the book. He will never give up on his friends, mostly because they are all he has left and does not want to be alone. Other main characters are Morris who is his friend from the beginning of the book and Fletch and Wilkie, who start out being bullies but end up changing and becoming good friends.

Setting:
This story takes place in San Francisco during the earthquake of 1906. Leo is heroically going around saving others after the earthquake breaks the underground gas lines starting the whole city on fire. They must leave the whole city since all of the water lines are broken also. They go to a nearby village that did not start on fire. Leo and his friend Morris decide to get bus tickets to New York so they can start all over. Morris has family there that will gladly take them in.

Theme:
I think the theme is bravery because Leo risked his life multiple times to save people who he did not even like. I think Leo is very brave especially since he is living on his own at age 13 in San Francisco. I think He shows bravery just by trying to survive and living on his own. He goes and gets new papers and sells them for five cents just so he can make enough to buy food and other supplies that he needs.

Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to male and females of ages 12 and up. I think anyone can really understand the book. I think a lot of people would really enjoy reading this book as much as I did. I rated this book four stars because I thought it was a very good book, I just wish it had more information in it. I think it was a good book all in all though and I am glad that I choose to read it.

[Shari · Rating 2 out of 5]

More about a gold nugget than an earthquake

The title is about an earthquake. I am working with a group of 9 year olds reading this and they wondered why there weren’t more facts about earthquakes in the story. Instead the story focused more on a gold nugget that is stolen, found and sold. If I wanted to know more about the gold rush, I would have picked a book about the gold rush. Very disappointed.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction novel about the San Francisco earthquake. The plot moved along quickly. I enjoyed how the author weaved in flashbacks (memory moments) to help develop the characters and move along the plot.

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My younger kids love these. A little fiction and a history lesson. (Today was Audio)

[Riley]

it was epic

[Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Response.
I enjoyed the book, I Survived The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 , by Lauren Tarshis, because it portrayed some of the real events that happened at that time. I felt this book had informed me on the devastating events that took place in 1906. Lauren Tarshis did a great job describing all the details in the book.
Plot.
In the beginning of the book, Leo Ross, the main character, was selling newspaper. Leo got jumped by two other boys in a back alley while he was taking a shortcut. One of the boys took his prize nugget of gold that his great grandfather had given to him. Leo then came up with a dream on how to get back his gold nugget from Wilkie and Fletch. He woke up, grabbed his grandfather’s hat, and put flour on his face to look like a ghost. Leo then went to the house they were living in, which was also believed to be haunted. As he walked into the house, Leo exclaimed that the boys better give him back the gold nugget, or else he would haunt them. Right after he said that, the whole house began to shake, and they all realized they were in an earthquake and left the house. Fletch escaped and could not be seen, but Wilkie was trapped underneath rafter beams. In order for Wilkie to escape, Leo had to pick up the rafter beams. Once Wilkie was out from the beams, he was worried about where Fletch was, so the two went to look for him. They realized the whole town was on fire and started panicking about Fletch. Leo and Wilkie found Fletch and chased him down until he gave Leo back the gold nugget. The three boys became friends and got on a train to go to Sacramento. After their arrival, each went their separate ways: Wilkie went to Washington, Leo went to New York, and Fletch stayed in Sacramento.
Characterization.
Leo was the main character in the book. He was a young boy who was very infatuated with his golden nugget. Throughout the book, he had to learn how to problem solve.
Wilkie evolved through the book, going from a thief to giving all he owned away.
Setting.
The main setting in the book was San Francisco, California. That was where the earthquakes and fires took place. The year this book took place was 1906, that was when the city burned to the ground. The city burning to the ground was the main reason why the boys had to move from the city.
Thematic Connections.
The theme that prevailed the most in this story was Appearance vs. Reality. When Wilkie went to find Fletch, he was going to take the money and gold away from him; instead, he took it and gave it to a family in need.
Recommendations.
I would recommend this book to any high school or middle school aged kids. It was an easy read and can be comprehended very easily. Boys and girls can get enjoyment out of the book, because they can see the struggles Leo and Morris both faced. I give this book a four out of five star rating.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Response: I really liked the book San Francisco Earthquake, it reminded me of myself. The story is about how a poor kid who was just trying to get by, by selling newspapers. He had a golden nugget that he could sell and make money, but he didn't want to because his grandfather gave it to him. That is like me, I could sell some of the things I have to get my licence, but I do not want to sell them.


Plot: The plot of this book started off with a boy named Leo who had this golden nugget that his grandfather gave him. He was coming home after finishing his job and these two kids came up and took his money. Then they also took his golden nugget. This boy named Morris came up with a plan about how they were going to steal back the golden nugget and hopefully the money too. They intended on scaring the boys but it didn’t work. Leo and Morris grabbed them both and were about to beat them up, when all of a sudden the whole building started to shake. An earthquake started to happen and the building started to collapse. Morris and Leo got out safely, but they didn’t see the other two. After a while they saw one of the boy’s hands and they helped dig him out from the rubble. They tried to look for the other boy to get the nugget from him. They found him and started to chase him. They caught him and they got the golden nugget back. They had to leave town then because of the earthquake. The town was now full of fire and destruction.


Characterization: There were four main characters in this book. One was named Leo who was eleven years old, and he sold newspapers to people. He had a golden nugget which ended up getting stolen. Then there was Morris which saved Leo more than once and helped Leo get the nugget back. Wilkie was one of the boys who took the golden nugget, and he was a bigger guy. Fletch was the other guy who took the nugget. He wasn't as big, but he was the meanest of the two. He only cared about himself and just wanted money.


Setting: The setting took place in San Francisco, California on April 18 at 5:12 A.M. It was a sunny day until an earthquake hit and destroyed the whole town. Then it became a fiery place. It had collapsed buildings, buildings with fire, and people hurt all over. Trees were on fire and burning down along with buildings.


Recommend:I recommend this book to all kids ages 10 and up. The reason is because it is a good book full of action but easy to understand. It also isn't long so it will keep the reader’s attention.I give this a four out of five stars.

[Sheriden Haase · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book "I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906" was a good historical novel. Small chapters are in this reading and there are good descriptions of the conflicts that are happening.

The plot has Leo walking the streets trying to find a place to make money and be safe. Leo meets a young boy named Morris. Morris shares Leo's most valuable secret. Leo has a golden nugget that he keeps in his pocket of his jeans at all times. Leo's dad died from the yellow fever, but the memories have always been with Leo. Leo lives in a boarding house basement in San Francisco, California.

The main character is Leo. Leo is a 13-year-old boy selling newspapers on the sidewalks. Leo's best friend is Morris. Morris is the same age as Leo but has a big mouth. This means he can not keep a secret. Leo and Morris travel to New York City to live with Morris's aunt and uncle.

The story takes place in 1906. Leo woke in the worst, most terrifying nightmare. The ground was shaking below him and cities were up in flames. Thousands of people were injured or dead.

I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for historical information or an easy read. Middle school students should have no problem reading this book.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 by Lauren Tarshis is a very exciting historical novel. The plot of the book is about a young boy named Leo who lives in San Francisco. He sells newspapers to get by because his father died of the fever and he has no family living nearby. He has a precious gold nugget that he keeps in his pocket at all times, that he got from his grandfather. But then one day as Leo was selling his newspapers two big bullies named Fletch and Wilkie beat him up and stole his gold nugget. He has a nosy friend named Morris who helps him throughout the story. You'll have to read this book to find out if Leo ever gets his gold nugget back...
This book leaves you in suspense between every chapter. I like how the main characters are so brave and courageous. I also like the intense conflict the characters go through. I would recommend this book to middle age kids who are looking for an adventurous easy to read book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction with many facts

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the story is about this kid named Leo. Leo wants to be like his grandfather, his grandfather was clever, resourceful, and strong. The story takes place in San Francisco in 1906. Leo gets introduced and his gold nugget gets introduced. So the bullies Fletch and Wilkie take his golden nugget and Leo says that he never told anyone except a skinny little kid named Morris. Morris and Leo make a plan about how to take Leo's golden nugget back. I liked the plot, setting and characters in the story. I would recommend this book to kids in grade 5-7.

[Jorge Mota · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book called “ I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake”, By Lauren Tarshis is the book that read. The book was about a 10 year old boy named Leo. This took place in 1906 in San Francisco. The day was just a normal one until the earthquake takes place. I would recommend this book because it is a great book in my opinion.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The I survived stories of which there are 16 books, are for preteens. The story is told around actual events throughout history with different characters for each book. Even though for young children, the books seem interesting for anyone.

[Osorio Salvador · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book. There is hardly any lack of detail. I feel bad for Leo and what he went through. The San Andreas was a crazy earthquake, and I would hate to be there when it happened. I still think that the book had almost no lack of detail, but then again, ALMOST.

[Addison Marden · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was really good but the sad part was how many people died

[Kaden · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 year old Leo is a newspaper boy in San Francisco he also needs money. i really liked it it had a good story line . i would recommend it for people who like Acton books.

[Zacx Brunk]

Book title: I Survived The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906

Personal Response: I thought this book was pretty good and very realistic to the actual things that happen. I also loved that they added a whole different story onto it. This could have been a real scenario that happened during this event so that was very cool and interesting. It tells the reader little tips about things being deceiving.

Plot: The story starts out with the actual events like the earthquake and then it flashes back to 20 hours before the event and told a little story about what a boy was doing right before this happened. It was very interesting and a very good story because the boy was getting bullied a lot and then ended up having one of the bullies become his friend. The main character was Leo and the bullies were Wilkie and Fletch. Leo had a gold piece that his grandfather passed onto him and the bullies heard about it and ended up wanting it. They ended up getting it from him and then Leo tried to pull a bunch of stunts to get it back. He tried to be his grandfather's ghost and scare them and told them to give it back. It scared them but it didn’t work. Then the event happened and Fletch ended up leaving Wilkie behind and he just kept running from them. Wilkie ended up getting Leo his gold back.

Recommendation: All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t like reading much because, this is a super easy and simple interesting book. You can get it done fast and have time spent reading for pleasure. The book talked about all of the damage done with the earthquake and it was terrible to hear all of the things that happened with it. In all I think a lot of kids would enjoy this easy read.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this series is aimed at younger readers, I'm enjoying it as well. Some of them have had too much filler, but this was more what it should have been. We had a core group of characters and we had the Earthquake happening around them. There's two basically orphan boys and two basically orphan bullies, but the Earthquake makes them see each other differently.

Overall a strong volume in a surprisingly good series. If you have kids that like to read and you think they would like this series, they probably will.

[Amber Scaife · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had never read any of the I Survived series, although I know that they're really popular with the kiddos at school. Meh. Neither Charlie nor I were impressed. I get that there's a need for simple chapter books to ease some kids into reading, and that it's tricky finding topics that different kids will enjoy, and I'm happy that these fill a niche for some of those kiddos, but I think Charlie and I are not the intended audience.

[Pink · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand that this is really low middle grade, so she probably wanted to keep it short and not freak kids out with too much destruction, but I definitely would have liked more of the "surviving" part of the story.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because my nephew was reading it for school, and I found it lying around. I’ve been curious about the I Survived books, which are some of his favorites. I can see the appeal! It was a cute, easy book and taught me a lot about the earthquake.