Library Book: Earthquake! A Story of Old San Francisco

Once Upon America

by National Geographic Learning

An hour before dawn on April 18, 1906, Phillip is awakened by the barking of dogs and the fearful whinnying of his father's horses. Moments later, San Francisco is struck by a tremendous earthquake. As walls buckle and bricks rain down on them Phillip's family struggles to escape from their own home. Then he remembers the horses. Can Phillip save them—and himself—in time?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens

64 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

Reviews

[Payton Spainhour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction book tells of a young boy's experience in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. He wakes up early one morning and he hears all the dogs barking all over town, the horses are acting weird, and things just seem off. He goes out to check on his horses, and the earthquake hits. The horses are hurt, the house is falling apart, and everyone in town is gathering their things and leaving. He can't leave his horses! How will they survive?

This was a really interesting book and an easy read. The pictures in it were very beautiful, and this is such a fun read. It is historically accurate, the characters are made up for a more realistic feel, but the earthquake, fires, and so on are all accurate. Great informative but interesting book!

This would be a good book to have in the classroom. I think several students would enjoy it, and some of the descriptive scenes (describing the earthquake, the sounds, the fire/smoke, etc.) could be referenced when learning about earthquakes!

[Laura Talley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story for kids to read about how it was during the earthquake in San Francisco in 1906

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: Read aloud to the 10yo as part of our history curriculum.

This short historical fiction chapter book takes place over only a moment in time. From the first shakings of the earthquake in 1906 until the morning afterwards the reader joins Philip has he lives through this devastating disaster. The first half of the story focuses on Philip and his family as they struggle with the earthquake and its aftermath along with the shocking sights and sounds as people walk en masse out of the city. The last half concerns Philip as he is left behind to watch the stable while Pa takes Mama and his younger brother to Aunt Eleanor's in a not too distant town for safety. Philip is left to deal with the worst of the situation by himself as the fires rage out of control and ultimately head towards him. He loves the horses and they are his family's livelihood. Will he be able to save them in time?

An entirely plot driven story with continuous action from the get go. It puts one right in the middle of the historical event and was an exciting experience for my son. A good little book that brings history alive.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 3-5 ? 54 pgs


1906, San Francisco, CA. After the earthquake hits, Philip is left in charge of his family's barn while his father tries to bring his mother and younger brother somewhere safe. Left alone, Philip is determined to take care of the horses as best he can no matter what.

I liked how the story focused on Philip and the horses while still giving the reader details about what was happening around the city. I think this book woud appeal to readers who enjoy survival stories and animal stories.

[Haim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathleen Kudlinski's historical fiction about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake is a nice overview of what happened on the first day. This is a good book to introduce the topic of natural disasters and California history.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

v. well done short book about the first couple days of the quake as seen through the eyes of a boy that has to become a man.
(in her afterward the author gives the old death toll for the quake, the number is now over 5000.)

[Gabe Durham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this w/ kids for tutoring.

[Miss Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

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