It's 1917 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The First World War is raging, and
despite its distance from the conflict, the Halifax Harbour is bustling
with activity. Anti-German prejudice is rampant, and though 12-year-old
Livy Schroeder and her 15-year-old brother Will are still mourning the
loss of their father, who died in a mysterious boating accident just six
months before, his German heritage doesn't merit them much sympathy. The
rumours he'd been a German spy are only flamed by his disappearance.
On the morning of December 6, while Livy is in Richmond begging
forgiveness from the Schroeders' former housekeeper, Will is atop
Citadel Hill reporting for the school paper, when he sees two ships
collide. A flash of light, then thunder from underground: the Halifax
Explosion hits. Instantly, the city is unrecognizable. Lost and
separated in the dark, destroyed city, will the siblings find each other
again? Where is their mother? And who is to blame for the catastrophe?
In A Blinding Light, award-winning author Julie Lawson (No Safe
Harbour) tells a riveting story of the Halifax Explosion and its
aftermath, exploring the concepts of guilt, blame, and taking ownership,
the divide between the rich and poor, locals and immigrants, as well as
the human bonds that arise in times of tragedy. Young readers will be
spellbound, and teachers and librarians will find plenty of topics for
discussion in the book's historical and cultural lessons.
