I Survived The Great Molasses Flood, 1919 #19 by Lauren Tarshis illustrated by Scott Dawson

Carmen and her father move from Italy to Boston after a tragic event in their hometown which has left Carmen's mother dead.  Unfortunately, her father catches the Spanish Influenza and dies.  Carmen moves in with her best friend, Tony.  When she and Tony are caught in the molasses flood, Carmen thinks she will be joining her parents in death.
Ms. Tarshis does a superb job of researching the time period and weaving interesting facts into the story.
I have read quite a few books about the Great Molasses Flood, but as I read this book, I began to understand the terror people must have felt who were caught in it.  Ms. Tarshis's word choice makes the reader feel like he/she is in the flood with Carmen.
In the back are sections with more historical facts.  Ms. Tarshis even includes a gingerbread recipe that has molasses as an ingredient.
*Highly recommend for reluctant readers or transitional readers.
-Borrowed from the library.