Blizzard Rescue

Disaster Squad #3

by Rekha S. Rajan

At A Glance

Interest Level

6+

Entertainment
Score

Reading Level
3.4

Number of Pages
96

In this third adventure, the Jacksons are called to Minnesota, where a blizzard is sweeping through the area. Snow-filled skies, icy roads, chilly temperatures. . . There are people and animals in danger! Will the Disaster Squad be able to brave the cold and lend a helping hand?

Leela and Jaden travel to Minnesota to help a farmer care for his calves. While there, the farmer teaches the kids about caring for cows and keeping them safe and healthy. Then, Jaden and his father help the farmer arrange hay bales to create a windbreak for the outside animals. Afterwards, the Jacksons help a snowshoe rabbit stuck under a large patch of ice. This allows the kids to use a retractable shovel, a new tool added to their disaster kit. Similar to the other Disaster Squad books, Blizzard Rescue shows the importance of being careful around animals while safely helping them.

Blizzard Rescue introduces readers to the dangers of blizzards in a kid-friendly way that allows readers to see how to stay safe. In addition, the Jackson family creates emergency kits to take to a senior center. The combination of helping animals and helping people survive a blizzard will entertain young readers while teaching them ways to stay safe. The Disaster Squad Series focuses on the Jackson family—a biracial family with two professional parents. This series is part of Scholastic‘s early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. The easy-to-read text and illustrations on every page will appeal to readers ready for chapter books.

In this series installment, the Jackson kids help a farmer and then visit their grandmother, who also needs help. Readers will enjoy learning about a ranch and cheer when the Jacksons’ dog, Lucky, helps. Blizzard Rescue still focuses on helping during a natural disaster, but it also includes scenes that show family life, which gives the story a more personal feel. The Disaster Squad Series helps readers understand natural disasters and how to help animals safely. In addition, it features a family with positive communication skills that readers can emulate. Readers can learn more about a snow rescue by reading The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford.

Sexual Content 