When rain fell for days over the hills of Pennsylvania in 1889, no one knew a disaster was building behind a dam high above the town of Johnstown. But when the dam broke, everything changed in a matter of minutes. A roaring wall of water rushed down the valley, sweeping away homes, schools, trains, and entire neighborhoods. Thousands of lives were lost. Thousands more were changed forever.
This gripping nonfiction book tells the story of one of America's deadliest floods through the voices of the people who lived it-families, workers, children, and rescuers. Young readers will discover how the town became an important center for steel and industry, what made the dam so dangerous, and how a single storm led to a catastrophe that shocked the entire country.
More than a story of destruction, this is a story of bravery, teamwork, and rebuilding. It explores how people came together, how kids helped in the recovery, and how the town found hope again. With powerful true stories, rich detail, and a friendly tone written just for kids, this book brings history to life-and shows why remembering the past still matters today. Perfect for readers aged 7 to 12 who are curious about real events that shaped our world.