Two sisters bravery in the face of extreme physical adversity is lyrically and touchingly told in this story of survival in the Alaskan wilderness long, long ago. When a stranger comes to Millie and Maura’s small community he warns of death sweeping down the valley. Soon Millie and Maura’s parents along with everyone else in their community are stricken by the mystery illness. Escaping wolves and an unreliable man who befriends them, the two girls discover their inner strengths as they pit their wits against the elements and struggle on until they find a place where people have survived.
Lovereading comment:
This is an extraordinary story of courage, commitment and survival of two young sisters in the harsh snowy Alaskan wilderness as they try to save themselves and in doing so, save each other. Beautifully written, this novel is inspired by the true story of the effect that European settlers had on Alaska, bringing with them as they did all manner of diseases, which the Natives had no immunity from. In some instances whole villages died out and to some, generations later, the period is still referred to as the Great Death. As the youngsters load up a raft to take them away from the death in their village their epic journey begins to find a new home.
The author’s first novel The Trap is one of the most haunting novels we’ve read and was hugely well-received on first publication.
The visitors from downriver had strange pale skin and blue eyes, but they left a deadly sickness of red spots and fever. Thirteen-year-old Millie and her younger sister Maura were the only survivors. As the first snowflakes fell the dogs were turning wild, and it was clear that the two girls must leave to find a new home.
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The visitors from downriver had strange pale skin and blue eyes, but they left a deadly sickness of red spots and fever. Thirteen-year-old Millie and her younger sister Maura were the only survivors.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Great Death and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
The Great Death features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Historical Fiction, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback. Not Available.
The Great Death was written by John E. Smelcer and published by Andersen Press Ltd
The Great Death has 166 pages
