One of the strangest disasters in U.S. history is brought to vivid life in this graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919, with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Karen De La Vega.
It's been four years since Carmen and Papa moved from Italy to Boston. Life here is exciting, but not always easy. And then there's the massive metal tank that rises up over their crowded North End neighborhood. The ugly tank, filled with sticky brown molasses, has always leaked. But nobody imagined that it could one day explode apart, sending a tsunami of molasses into the streets.
Caught in the flood, Carmen must fight for her life -- the life that she and Papa built together in America. But where will she find the strength?
Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series comes to vivid life in graphic novel editions. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep any reader turning the pages. Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.
Author's note. Information about life in the early twentieth century, with photographs. More information about the Great Molasses Flood and its aftermath, with photographs. Suggestions for further reading. Selected bibliography. Full-color illustrations.
Book Genres Adventure, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction
Canadian Rights Yes
Dewey F
Title alpha I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919: The Graphic Novel
Category Hi-Lo PG Middle/High
Pages Count 160
Topics Floods. Industrial accidents. Molasses. Survival. Boston, Massachusetts. Twentieth-century US history.
Lexile 610L
Trim Size 9" x 6"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2025-03-03
JLG Release Date May 2025
Minimum grade 6
Maximum grade 12
Reading level Middle, High
Format Print
Hi-Lo PG Middle/High (Grades 6-12)
Hi-Lo PG Middle/High
Hi-Lo PG Middle/High (Grades 6-12)
For Grades 6-12
Entertaining, age-appropriate topics combined with short chapters and simple sentences make the 12 books in this category interesting and accessible to teens who struggle to read. For middle and high school students who prefer titles without edgy content.