Middle Grade Review: Magnitude

Cora leaves the apartment early one morning, heading for the docks. On her way there, she meets a Chinese girl on a bike. She's being harassed by the boys who bully her. Cora helps Zhi escape the bullies, but they can't escape what's coming next.

A large earthquake hits. Buildings fall. Both Cora and Zhi are stuck underground. They're running out of time. But they're rescued by Cora's old friend. When Cora and Zhi realize the damage to the city, they're dumbfounded. They have to get back to their families.

The water pipes burst. The city is on fire. Thieves are on the loose. Can the three of them of find their families and make it somewhere safe?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this historical fiction disaster book. I loved walking/running the city with the three main characters. I didn't know much about this disaster, but from the book it's clear that it was terrifying event. I felt badly for Cora and Oliver and their family feud breaking up their friendship prior to the book, but I'm glad they were able to reconnect. I love how the book ended. Reading this book makes me want to read a nonfiction account of this disaster and the aftermath. Come for the historical fiction but stay for the action and danger. Readers won't want to but this one down. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

 Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have historical fiction novel for your school and public library.