Can You Survive the Johnstown Flood?

Set in May 1889, the narrative follows three possible perspectives: a young bride caught at the train station, a local resident trying to save their family as water engulfs their home, and a bystander joining rescue efforts. Each path requires the reader to make tactical decisions based on the rising waters and the collapse of the South Fork Dam. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with death and mass casualty. While the descriptions are age-appropriate for the 8-12 range, the 'game over' screens clearly imply the reader's demise in several scenarios. The approach is secular and historical, focusing on the physics of the flood and human grit. EMOTIONAL ARC: The experience is high-adrenaline and tense from the first page. It fluctuates between panic and focused action, with resolutions that are either tragic (death) or profoundly relieved and somber (survival). IDEAL READER: A 4th or 5th grader who loves 'I Survived' books but wants more control over the outcome. It is perfect for the child who enjoys logic puzzles and high-stakes historical trivia. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child repeatedly 'dying' in the book or getting frustrated by the consequences of a seemingly 'good' choice that leads to a bad end. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware that some paths describe people being swept away or buildings crushing others. It is helpful to discuss the actual history of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club to provide context on the human error behind the dam failure. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (8-9) focus on the immediate thrill of survival and the 'scary' water. Older readers (11-12) often begin to appreciate the ethical weight of the choices, such as staying to help a neighbor versus seeking personal safety. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike standard historical fiction, the 'You Choose' format forces a level of personal accountability and immersion that makes the history feel urgent rather than distant.