Shadows of Disaster

Canadian Disasters #1

by Cathy Beveridge

"Sometimes it's good to take a risk." Twelve-year-old Jolene knows that her grandfather's words are true, but she's not a risk-taker like her twin brother. Frustrated, Jolene convinces herself that it would be easier to take risks if she were a boy. Her grandfather disagrees, but then her father thinks her grandfather might be as crazy as his old stories. For her part, Jolene thinks her father, who's trying to preserve history in a Museum of Disasters, is the crazy one. Jolene learns the truth when they take a trip to the Crowsnest Pass to research the Frank Slide, and she discovers that her grandfather has found a way to step back into time. In 1903, disguised as a boy, Jolene must face the wrath of an impatient teacher, challenge her ability as a gymnast, and disentangle herself from an embarrassing love triangle. She must also face the fact that the generous people of the town of Frank are living in the path of disaster and she cannot save them. She can, however, save herself and her grandfather and does so in a desperate race against time. But the lessons of the past are not lost in the present. Jolene discovers a way to revitalize her father's museum by preserving the story in history, and she prepares herself to take a few risks herself – as a girl. An historical novel for readers age nine and up, Shadows of Disaster brings to life Canada's deadliest rockslide through a portrait of a young girl learning to be her own self.

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jen Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. The descriptive writing is lovely in this book, but I felt like just as the book was getting interesting, it ended and everything was tied up too quickly. Also, the flow of the book was a bit awkward, such as how Jo and her Gramps kept going from the present to the future. The side story about her Aunt Peggy was very strange as well and didn’t have a clear explanation. I read this because my daughter really enjoyed it, but I fear I can not say the same for myself.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Spoilers*
I found this book while exploring our new library and I liked that it took place in a local area.
There were a few unresolved aspects of the story such as what happened to the aunt and what the local guide's connection was to the time travelling. However, that might come up in subsequent books and I enjoyed reading it.

[Gabrielle Houweling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud with the kids- throwback to when I was in elementary! (My book is personally signed by the author which was a BIG deal back then)
The kids loved learning about the past, but were hoping for more stories on the slide itself. On the day we finished the book we were able to go to the Frank Slide interpretive centre and the Bellevue Mine tour, which really enhanced the book and was fun for us all!

[Rylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was in grade 6 and i also had the pleasure of Cathy herself reading a few chapters to out class, she even helped us write our own stories! But this book is very interesting, I love the writing style too!

[Sheraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 the best throwback.