Danger Files Series

What would I do? Award-winning journalist Anna Crowley Redding brings readers into the action with this look at five epic tales of survival—and tragedy.

Have you ever wondered what you would do in a life-or-death situation? If survival meant acting quickly, decisively, and correctly, would you have what it takes to avoid catastrophe? In this heart-stopping follow-up to The Danger Files: Real-Life Disasters, investigate some of the most harrowing survival stories in history. Witness the challenges faced on a 1921 expedition into the far reaches of the Arctic north; jump into a raging inferno with the goal of putting out and escaping a wildfire; outrun and outlast the Mount St. Helens eruption; face Hurricane Katrina; and use your wits—and science—to survive on your own in the frigid sea, lost praying for rescue. With access to case files full of critical facts and clues, you’ll be challenged to determine for yourself what happened in these true tales and why.

From the Titanic to the Boston molasses flood, investigate five famous historical disasters just like a real reporter—through facts, eyewitnesses, and clues—with Emmy-winning journalist Anna Crowley Redding.

Delve deeper into some of the most dramatic disasters in history! Using case files full of firsthand accounts, critical facts, do-at-home experiments, and clues, readers can become disaster detectives and determine for themselves what happened and why. Take on the sinking of the Titanic, the crash of the Hindenburg, the Great Influenza epidemic of 1918, the Boston molasses flood, and the fire that decimated the city of Chicago. A “Your Mission!” introduction gets readers actively involved, and an inviting layout that evokes the feel of a working case file, complete with paperclipped notes and important pictures, keeps them eager for the next clue. Author Anna Crowley Redding brings her extensive journalism background to this engrossing dive into history, and Robbie Cathro’s active illustrations bring the scenes—and the real people involved—to life. Back matter includes extensive source notes and a bibliography for young journalists who want to get an even bigger scoop.