The Day It Rained Forever: A Story of the Johnstown Flood

by Virginia T. Gross

A young girl tells the story of the tragic Johnstown flood, when torrential rains caused the Lake Conemaugh dam to rupture

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can easily be read in one sitting by an adult but is broken into seven chapters plus an author afterword commentary to accommodate beginning readers as well as provide some structure. The story arc is quick and to the point: the characters are introduced, the dam breaks, the city battles the flood, and residents look for a new hope after destruction. If is very appropriate for young readers interested in historical fiction or those living in Johnstown who are interested local history. Not much detail is given, but Gross provides an accurate overview of an event timeline and how the obliteration of a city have way to a rebirth.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.

[Kara Mckeown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read to my daughter this year. As we just saw NC in the news for Hurricane Helena that killed numerous people in a flash flood.

[Andrea]

This book is way too short and way too vague about the events of that day, but I guess the author didn't want to get too gory since it's geared towards children. Still, it was an interesting account of the dam breaking and the subsequent flood. While it was a heartbreaking story, I didn't learn much about the facts of the event. A short epilogue containing the real history would have made this book much better.

[Cws]

JAR4-Gro

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I read this book in 5th grade.