I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964

This installment of the popular 'I Survived' series plunges readers into the harrowing 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, the most powerful recorded earthquake in US history. Eleven-year-old Jack, accustomed to a rugged, off-the-grid life in Alaska, finds his resilience pushed to its limits when the 9.2 magnitude quake devastates his world. The story follows Jack's fight for survival amidst the destruction and subsequent tsunamis, highlighting themes of bravery, family, and perseverance. The book includes valuable nonfiction backmatter with historical facts and photos, making it an engaging blend of thrilling fiction and educational content for middle-grade readers.

The Great Alaska Earthquake is the largest and most powerful recorded earthquake in US history. Lauren Tarshis's story of one child surviving this terrifying natural disaster pounds with page-turning action and heartwarming hope. It was 1964 in the brand-new state of Alaska, a vast land of staggering beauty and heart-stopping dangers. Eleven-year-old Jack had grown up living happily with his parents in an off-the-grid cabin, miles from their closest neighbors. Grizzlies and wolves outnumbered people, and dark winter days were 30 degrees below zero. Jack had always thought of himself as strong -- "Alaska tough". But then the most powerful earthquake in American history -- the Good Friday Earthquake -- struck. The 9.2 magnitude quake lasted nearly five minutes, destroying downtown Anchorage and sending 30-foot tsunamis into coastal cities, wiping out entire communities. Its vibrations were felt around the world. In the end, it caused billions of dollars in damage and the death of 129 people. New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tells the story of the disaster that changed our understanding of earth science -- and tested one boy in ways he never could have imagined. Includes a section of nonfiction backmatter with more facts and photos about the real-life event.