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American Regional
Flood Friday
Will Sally and her family ever be able to go home?When heavy rains cause the river to flood, Sally, her family, and many of their neighbors have to evacuate their homes. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, they seek shelter at the local school. At first, it seems like an adventure, but as reports come in of whole houses being washed away, Sally learns the meaning of being a true friend and a good neighbor. "Flood Friday" is based on the actual flooding of western Connecticut in 1955. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Lois Lenski including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author's estate.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1956
12 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Lois Lenski
192 books198 followersLois Lenore Lenski Covey was an influential American author and illustrator whose work reshaped twentieth-century children’s literature through its combination of artistic skill, documentary realism, and deep empathy for childhood experience. Beginning her publishing career in the late 1920s, she went on to write and illustrate nearly one hundred books, ranging from picture books and historical novels to regional fiction, poetry, songbooks, and literary essays. She is best known for the Mr. Small picture book series, her meticulously researched historical novels, and her groundbreaking Regional books, which portrayed the everyday lives of children across diverse American communities.
Born in Ohio and trained formally as both an educator and an artist, Lenski studied at Ohio State University, the Art Students League of New York, and the Westminster School of Art in London. Although she initially aspired to be a painter, exhibiting work in New York galleries, she gradually turned to illustration and then to writing, encouraged by pioneering children’s editor Helen Dean Fish. Her early books drew heavily on her Midwestern childhood, while later works reflected extensive travel, field research, and close observation of family and community life.
Lenski achieved major critical recognition with her historical novels Phebe Fairchild: Her Book and Indian Captive, and with her Regional novel Strawberry Girl, which won the Newbery Medal. These works were notable for their commitment to authenticity, incorporating dialect, material culture, and social realities often avoided in children’s books of the era. She believed that literature for young readers should neither sentimentalize nor sanitize life, but instead foster understanding, tolerance, and empathy.
Alongside her own writing, Lenski illustrated works by other major authors, including Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could and the early volumes of Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series. Her influence extended beyond publishing through lectures, teaching, and advocacy. In 1967 she established the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, dedicated to providing books to children facing social and economic disadvantage.
In her later years, Lenski continued writing while living in Florida, publishing her autobiography Journey into Childhood shortly before her death. Her legacy endures through her books, her educational philosophy, and ongoing efforts to expand access to literature for children.
Born in Ohio and trained formally as both an educator and an artist, Lenski studied at Ohio State University, the Art Students League of New York, and the Westminster School of Art in London. Although she initially aspired to be a painter, exhibiting work in New York galleries, she gradually turned to illustration and then to writing, encouraged by pioneering children’s editor Helen Dean Fish. Her early books drew heavily on her Midwestern childhood, while later works reflected extensive travel, field research, and close observation of family and community life.
Lenski achieved major critical recognition with her historical novels Phebe Fairchild: Her Book and Indian Captive, and with her Regional novel Strawberry Girl, which won the Newbery Medal. These works were notable for their commitment to authenticity, incorporating dialect, material culture, and social realities often avoided in children’s books of the era. She believed that literature for young readers should neither sentimentalize nor sanitize life, but instead foster understanding, tolerance, and empathy.
Alongside her own writing, Lenski illustrated works by other major authors, including Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could and the early volumes of Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series. Her influence extended beyond publishing through lectures, teaching, and advocacy. In 1967 she established the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, dedicated to providing books to children facing social and economic disadvantage.
In her later years, Lenski continued writing while living in Florida, publishing her autobiography Journey into Childhood shortly before her death. Her legacy endures through her books, her educational philosophy, and ongoing efforts to expand access to literature for children.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 9, 2022
Yet another of her stories I enjoyed immensely! Strawberry Girl was a childhood favourite growing up, reread during adult years as well. This was imaginable and heart felt as it came from the kid's perspectives mostly. These historical regionals are based upon true events that happened in various areas of the US. Her own illustrations are so distinctive as well. I appreciated the spiritual references in this book as well, thanking God often as many other suffered such worse fates, how sad one mother was at losing the family Bible. Such an endearing story:)
June 18, 2012
I am almost caught up on reading all the books from Lois Lenski's American Regional Series. Flood Friday is #12 out of 17. It is another one that stands out in my memory as a favorite; one that I read over and over. When I reread childhood favorites, I always try to figure out why I loved them so.
On Friday, August 19, 1955, after days of relentless rain, the three major rivers in Connecticut flooded, driving many people from their homes. Flood Friday is a fictional account of what this was like for several children in the area. There are dangerous rescues by boat and helicoptor, some houses are completely destroyed, and families are sheltered in school buildings.
Sally and her family are lucky. They still have a home when the water that almost reached their second floor finally recedes. But it is a house soaked and mud covered. While it is being cleaned up and repaired, they stay with neighbors who live on higher ground.
I think what I liked as a child was the sense of danger. This is one of Lenski's most dramatic stories. Also, the idea of staying at a neighbor's house where one of your best friends lives, camping out on floors and sofas, and eating whatever food can be found, would have been my idea of a great adventure. I bet it was a complete pain in the neck for the adults.
April 13, 2017
I really, really, really loved this book.
One day, in 2011, I found "Flood Friday" in the Children's section of the library. I was strolling the aisles searching for a book that would keep me satisfied over the upcoming weekend. I randomly pulled different books off the shelves, but nothing really caught my attention. Then, I pulled out "Flood Friday." I ignored the title and only admired the cover. The edition I had come across was very old and the cover art looked captivating. The cover image was printed on a solid color and was outlined in black, yet it didn't take away from the picture; it added to it. The cover captured a flood midway through its damage: a family waving for help, a boat rescuing people, houses almost completely submerged, a big branch floating away in the choppy water, grass swaying in the gusts of wind. I was longing for some action, and this was the answer!
But the biggest surprise came when I was reading it that weekend. This book was a story of a flood, right? But, not just any flood, it was the flood that had torn my very own town apart in 1955!! I LOVED it! For the setting to be the streets, parks, and sites I knew so well was just plain exciting for me! Then, the week after I had read it, I was at my Uncle's house and mentioned in brief that I read a book about the flood in our town in 1955. And then, my Uncle said he lived through that flood and it had flooded his house + street! I was AMAZED! The slew of questions that sprang from my mouth at my Uncle were infinite! He told me many, many, many stories about that week when the flood hit our town. My Uncle said the first building/business that got flooded out was the lumber yard (just across the street from where they lived). He said all the lumber was drifting down the street in the 3-4 ft rising water. The most surprising part is that he, his father, and 5 other brothers wadded out into the streets (in the pouring rain + wind) and gathered as much lumber as they could because it was basically a free-for-all! And, the lumber they gathered is what the chicken coup is made from! I thought this was so funny and completely enjoyed the story!
So anyway, "Flood Friday" is not only a well-written + captivating story it also has a lot more meaning to me, my family, and my town.
One day, in 2011, I found "Flood Friday" in the Children's section of the library. I was strolling the aisles searching for a book that would keep me satisfied over the upcoming weekend. I randomly pulled different books off the shelves, but nothing really caught my attention. Then, I pulled out "Flood Friday." I ignored the title and only admired the cover. The edition I had come across was very old and the cover art looked captivating. The cover image was printed on a solid color and was outlined in black, yet it didn't take away from the picture; it added to it. The cover captured a flood midway through its damage: a family waving for help, a boat rescuing people, houses almost completely submerged, a big branch floating away in the choppy water, grass swaying in the gusts of wind. I was longing for some action, and this was the answer!
But the biggest surprise came when I was reading it that weekend. This book was a story of a flood, right? But, not just any flood, it was the flood that had torn my very own town apart in 1955!! I LOVED it! For the setting to be the streets, parks, and sites I knew so well was just plain exciting for me! Then, the week after I had read it, I was at my Uncle's house and mentioned in brief that I read a book about the flood in our town in 1955. And then, my Uncle said he lived through that flood and it had flooded his house + street! I was AMAZED! The slew of questions that sprang from my mouth at my Uncle were infinite! He told me many, many, many stories about that week when the flood hit our town. My Uncle said the first building/business that got flooded out was the lumber yard (just across the street from where they lived). He said all the lumber was drifting down the street in the 3-4 ft rising water. The most surprising part is that he, his father, and 5 other brothers wadded out into the streets (in the pouring rain + wind) and gathered as much lumber as they could because it was basically a free-for-all! And, the lumber they gathered is what the chicken coup is made from! I thought this was so funny and completely enjoyed the story!
So anyway, "Flood Friday" is not only a well-written + captivating story it also has a lot more meaning to me, my family, and my town.
Read
March 18, 2011We were reading this book (the kids and I) when the tsunami hit Japan and it made an interesting conversation and helped the children to understand the tragedy on a more personal level. Although this flood happened in the 1950's, it brings to light many concerns for modern day disasters. My children also enjoyed all the slang, like Jeepers! There is always something to be gained by reading Lois Lenski.
July 5, 2018
Based on a true story, this book perfectly expresses the harrowing experience that these children and their families went through during the flood that swept away so many of their homes.
June 1, 2008
Lunch time read aloud. One of my favorite Lois Lenski books. I love how this one takes place over a short period of time, unlike many of her other books.
Want to Read
July 6, 2009This is rather a timeless story, as floods like this are still happening today. Lois Lenski wrote outstanding historical novels!
January 27, 2020
An excellent read with a lot of rich geography and fun to read. Lois Lenski books are an excellent start for beginners starting to read.
Read
November 6, 2023Very realistic depiction of the devastation of a flood. The children have to learn some hard lessons. Parents find new courage, the whole town pulls together. Old friendships are strengthened and new friendships are forged. Very well written. So much is lost but unexpected things are found.
February 25, 2020
One of the books from my childhood that stuck with me, and reading it again brought back everything I remembered. It is a pretty honest look at a disaster - not everything is resolved easily, the adults don't always know what to do, the kids have mixed emotions and are obnoxious at times. In spite of this, Lenski captures the generous spirit that often rises up in shared tragedy. There's a part where someone asks for "refugees" to come to a certain place and one of the characters realizes that she is a refugee like those from Syria, etc. Very interesting to read in today's climate. I'm thankful my mom had me read this book as a kid and would recommend it to anyone!
November 19, 2016
A wonderful view into a flood disaster. The first I have read by Lenski, but planning to read others. I love bits of history told in story form.
September 21, 2025
I have a signed copy that Ms. Lenski had given to my grandmother in 1956. The flood occurred before I was born. My grandparents and many others lost everything. They used to have a store/tavern/home right on the river. She had a stroke only 6 years or so before.
I was given the book likely after my dad died in the mid '80s-- it has Ms. Lensksi's and my Grandma's signatures inside. Unionville was small then. We all grew up in the shadow of the flood. Everyone in town knew each other. I think the Shortell's were also a family in the story.
Here we are almost 70 years later. This event was a part of all our lives (even for us who had not been born yet or were very young). We took care of each other. Life was different then. We are fortunate to have survived and carried on.
I was given the book likely after my dad died in the mid '80s-- it has Ms. Lensksi's and my Grandma's signatures inside. Unionville was small then. We all grew up in the shadow of the flood. Everyone in town knew each other. I think the Shortell's were also a family in the story.
Here we are almost 70 years later. This event was a part of all our lives (even for us who had not been born yet or were very young). We took care of each other. Life was different then. We are fortunate to have survived and carried on.
December 30, 2021
Good historical book. People do die from the flood, but they don’t mention it until the end and it is subtle enough to not upset most children. Talk of vaccines and one child even is thought to get sick from the vaccine. There is bullying, but it is handled well and the bully even regrets what he did in the end.
April 30, 2025
my youngest child (age almost 8) really enjoyed this. the rest of us (ages 10+) thought it was good, but it wasn't one of those instant family classics. good life lessons about caring about people more than possessions though!
October 10, 2018
Seems to be written more for the educational value than for a quality piece of literature.
July 30, 2022
I'm so happy to own this book, thanks to a small publishing company that has been working on reprinting some of the original Lenski books!!! 😁
December 23, 2016
A nearly-contemporary addition to Lenski's regional series -- set in Connecticut in 1955 when Hurricanes Connie and Diane brought 20+ inches of rain. Lenski lived in the region so she didn't have to travel far to do the research for this story.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_o...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_o...
July 8, 2015
I thought this would be boring, but I read this book in two days. If I was stuck in a school with hundreds of people I would probably scream. And being torn away from home is unbearable. This book tells you what can easily happen to you and what you can do if it happens. I Love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2015
Lenski's books are always full of charm and a taste for the past. The characters are realistic and the stories are told in a simple way that even young children can read and get a feel for what really happened.
November 17, 2015
Given to me by Bethany, as I'd never read it. Quite dated, and not all that interesting, EXCEPT for that it happened in our hometown and featured (a strange version of) our elementary school! Hence why I gave it such a high rating.
March 28, 2020
This is my all time favorite book by Lois Lenski.
June 30, 2015
This book can make you feel thankful for the things you have. It is an adventure and a sorrow because there has been floods like this one and worse.
March 21, 2019
School reading for my 4th and 5th graders. A really great story to teach our towns history.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews