For a preteen read, this was actually one of the most horrific books I've read in a long time. I didn't know much at all about this event so it was a very interesting, if super fast, read. I didn't realize there was such an effort to cover up the extent of the damage and death toll, but with no rapid means of nationwide reporting, I suppose it wasn't too difficult to do. I was shocked by the extreme measures the authorities took with people who disobeyed minor laws or took advantage of vulnerable situations. Shooting dead a person who charged $1.25 for a loaf of bread, shooting dead a couple who made a fire in their home after being told not to. I guess I thought this point of history was past that sort of behaviour, but I guess San Francisco was still the "old West" in those days...

I very rarely read children's or young adult fiction, but I found this one informative enough that I was able to overlook some of the predictability or coincidental stuff that usually annoys me about juvenile literature. ( )

fictionalized account based on actual photographs

A historical fiction story of two girls caught up in the aftermath of the earthquake in San Francisco in 1906.

Gregory, K., & Campbell, M. (1992). Earthquake at dawn. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
"Earthquake at Dawn" gives a historical account of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The author has woven in the real life characters of Edith Irvine, Mary Exa, Jack London, Enrico Caruso, and John Barrymore into the story to give a more realistic feel. Blending fact with fiction, the story gives a possible account of the hardships that many people faced right after the earthquake happened. Gregory also writes a story which reflects the values and norms of society during that time period. One way the author wove in realism is that she included excerpts from a letter that was written by earthquake survivor Mary Exa. The descriptions of the destruction that took place are detailed enough to give the reader a vivid picture of what San Francisco must have looked like at that time. The fictional characters in the story are also believable, and the relationships that develop between them and the real characters add substance to the story. In my opinion there could have been more written about the development of their relationships during this event and a little less description about the destruction which might be difficult for younger readers. ( )

We just read this book in my language arts class as a book unit. I thought that this book was fabulous. There was a lot of action and suspense. Even though it took place a long time ago, it was a good read. Edith and Daisy are my favorite characters. If you want an educational suspensful action book, this is the book for you. You can buy it at Barnes and Noble for $5.03. Enjoy Earthquake at Dawn by Kristina Gregory. =) ( )