Snow Struck

December 6, 2021
A family encounters a freezing landscape in Courage’s (Storm Blown) page-turning climate disaster set in New York City. Seventh grader Elizabeth and little brother Matty have been living and learning remotely at a Value Inn since Florida’s biggest storm blew the roof off the family’s home, and a trip to visit cousin Ashley in Manhattan offers an ideal break. While Elizabeth welcomes a respite from their family’s close hotel quarters, nervous Matty, addicted to weather apps, quickly grows anxious about the uncharacteristically warm East Coast weather—which pivots to an arctic blast, then a blizzard, within 24 hours of their arrival. When Ashley’s Pomeranian escapes, her reckless father and the three presumed-white children search for her across the city on foot, only to find themselves in real danger from blinding snow and frigid temperatures. Alternating between perspectives—including animals affected by the sudden storm—and locations in and outside of New York City, Courage maintains a swift pace bolstered by engaging appearances, including a candy-loving climate scientist and Pizza Rat. An author’s note discusses global warming, extreme weather events, and caring for the environment. Ages 8–12. Agent: Rachel Ekstrom, Folio Literary.