Ice Storm — Penny Draper

A city girl who loves to skate.

A country girl who loves the farm.

A once-in-a-lifetime storm.

Alice and Sophie are cousins and best friends. Life is good. Then on January 5, 1998, it starts to rain. Freezing rain. It doesn't stop. Soon their world is covered in deadly ice. Power lines and trees plummet to the ground. Homes have no heat or electricity.

Alice is all alone as her dad works overtime at Hydro-Quebec, trying to restore power. Sophie fights alongside her family to keep their dairy herd alive. Alice and Sophie have always been smart. But the ice storm forces them to think and work as adults, and they'll never be the same again.

"Sophie, I wish you were here. I'm so afraid."

Awards:

Winner, Saskatchewan Book Award, Publishing in Education 2012

Finalist, Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award, 2013

Finalist, Chocolate Lily Readers' Choice Award, 2013

Finalist, Red Cedar Readers' Choice Award, 2013

Finalist, Diamond Willow Readers' Choice Award, 2013

Starred selection: Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2012

Reviews:

"It's the Storm of the Century and the lives of two cousins, Alice and Sophie, are turned upside-down….In coping with the tragedy, both girls are on a personal journey….Draper does not shy away from the cruel forces at work. There is looting and vandalism; death and destruction. But there is also goodness to be found: the community spirit from the farmers; the help from the American soldiers; and the camaraderie and friendship found at the shelter. Recommended for school and public libraries for independent reading. Another good addition to the Disaster Canada Series." Resource Links, Volume 16, Number 5

"From dead cows to looting to staying in a shelter, Draper covers the terror and impact of the storm." Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2011