Two young sisters are the only survivors after a mysterious illness kills the rest of their village. Together they set off through a treacherous land in search of other survivors. Is this the latest post-apocalyptic speculative fiction? Unfortunately, no. The Great Death is set in Alaska in early 1900s when a worldwide pandemic killed an estimated sixty to seventy percent of the Alaska Native population. The characters are inspired by the life of the author’s grandmother and great-aunt. Despite the grim subject, this book reads like a nail-biting survival adventure. The sisters’ love for each other and their hope in a better future are inspiring, as is their knowledge of the natural world. I'm always a sucker for survival stories and Alaska history, but the pace is quick and adventure exciting enough to entice any reader not just genre fans. I recommend it wholeheartedly to any adult or teen, but don’t miss the opportunity to read it with your upper-elementary aged child if they are ready to grasp the themes. If they can't get enough of the "Hunger Games" try giving them some reality.Recommended by Amelia Historical Fiction. An extremely fast read. Only 166 Great Death was the near decimation of the Alaskan natives at the turn of the 20th century due to contact with white people. According to the author nearly 2/3 of the Alaskan Natives were killed by measles, flu, and small pox.Two sisters are the only survivors left in their remote village. They travel down the river to find other survivors. Short on details and not much action. Not sure students will be able to grasp the full impact of the intense scenes of death. There was not enough emotional development with the characters. The ending leaves you wondering about how the girls will be received since prior contact with "white" people had been so negative, when they met a trapper along the way and the elder sister was attacked.. Best for older students due to near rape. WAW nomination 2012. Felt like this could have been better, author has some interruptions in the flow to explain some aspects of the wilderness.
What do You think about The Great Death (2009)?
Story was good, but a little too simplistic.
—Emma
