Tarshis, Lauren. I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919. Graphix, 2025, 978-1-546-11038-5. $24.99. 240 p. Grades 4-8.

This is a graphic adaptation of the middle grade novel by the same title. This book follows the main character Carmen and her father after leaving Italy after an earthquake and flood had destroyed their home. Unfortunately, not long after immigrating from Italy to Boston, the Great Influenza pandemic began, and her father passed away. Carmen’s friend Tony and his family had taken her in as their own after her father’s passing. Many times on their way home from school, Tony and Carmen would stop by the large molasses tank to see it, but one day, that molasses tank explodes unexpectedly, and they are forced to fight for their lives…

THOUGHTS: Much like the rest of the I Survived series, this book is a quick and engaging read. Upper elementary level students and middle level readers alike will enjoy this. It touches on history that many students may not know about which is an added bonus as well! 

Graphic Novel
Historical Fiction