I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19)
Scholastic Paperbacks 2019
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- courage
- resilience
- community
- family
- survival
- responsibility and accountability
- immigrant experience
About this book
In this fast-paced historical adventure, a boy in Boston’s North End faces the shocking real-life disaster of 1919, when a giant tank burst and sent a towering wave of molasses through the streets. Lauren Tarshis blends suspense with vivid historical detail to show what it was like for families—many of them recent immigrants—caught in the chaos. Short chapters, clear prose, and action-packed scenes make it perfect for growing readers. Kids love the survival stakes, relatable characters, and the fascinating facts that follow the story.
Setting: Boston’s North End, January 1919
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19) right for my child?
Yes — I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19) is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, resilience, community.
How long does it take to read I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19)?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19) takes around 1.8h to finish. The book has 16,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19) have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19) has an AR quiz available, worth 2 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19)?
I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived #19) has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.