Dark Water Rising - by Marian Hale (Paperback)

About the Book

Hale ("The Truth About Sparrows") presents a poignant coming-of-age story set during the Galveston Storm of 1900. With the entire city under water, will Seth and his family make it out alive?

Book Synopsis

I looked and saw water rushing in from Galveston Bay on one side and from the gulf on the other. The two seas met in the middle of Broadway, swirling over the wooden paving blocks, and I couldn't help but shudder at the sight. All of Galveston appeared to be under water.

Galveston, Texas, may be the booming city of the brand-new twentieth century, but to Seth, it is the end of a dream. He longs to be a carpenter like his father, but his family has moved to Galveston so he can go to a good school. Still, the last few weeks of summer might not be so bad. Seth has a real job as a builder and the beach is within walking distance. Things seem to be looking up, until a storm warning is raised one sweltering afternoon. No one could have imagined anything like this. Giant walls of water crash in from the sea. Shingles and bricks are deadly missiles flying through the air. People not hit by flying debris are swept away by rushing water. Forget the future, Seth and his family will be lucky to survive the next twenty-four hours.

Dark Water Rising is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Review Quotes

"As exciting as the best action and disaster movies. . . . Exciting, tear jerking, and life affirming, this is historical fiction at its best." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"This fine example of historical fiction has something for almost everyone." --Booklist, Starred Review

"Fact and fiction are blended effortlessly together in an exciting read that leaves readers with a sense of hope." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Marian Hale is the author of acclaimed historical novels for young adults, including The Truth About Sparrows and The Goodbye Season. She lives with her husband, daughter, and grandbabies on the Texas Coast.