The Great Molasses Flood: Boston, 1919 (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Great Molasses Flood: Boston, 1919 Elizabeth Bush Kops, Deborah . The Great Molasses Flood: Boston, 1919. Charlesbridge, 2012. 102p. illus. with photographs ISBN 978-1-58089-348-0 $18.95 R Gr. 4-7. Even Kops admits, "It sounds like a bad joke"—a deadly turn by the stuff of gingerbread cookies smacks of Second City shtick rather than historical fact. However, on January 15, 1919, an industrial storage tank filled with the sweet, sticky goo burst open and a wave of molasses swept Boston buildings off their foundation, drowned workers and children in the immediate area, trapped others under debris, and ultimately claimed twenty-one lives. In this accessible account, Kops first introduces the characters whose lives would be altered by the disaster, then describes the flood, the rescue efforts, theories on the cause of the flood, the three years of court hearings, and the final determination of liability. Relatively short sentences, slightly oversized font and wide leading, chapter subheadings, and ample illustrations make this a strong choice for reluctant or struggling readers. Streamlined presentation does not, however, imply simplified content. Indeed, Kops handily guides readers through a thoughtful discussion of the how the fear of anarchist activity following World War I led many to believe that the tank was bombed, a view steadily held by the tank owners, the U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company, who sought to avoid liability for death and damages. Photo credits and an index are included, and although Kops mentions several important sources in her acknowledgement, notes are not included. [End Page 359] Copyright © 2012 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois