Shadows of Disaster

"Sometimes it's good to take a risk." Twelve-year-old Jolene knows that her grandfather's words are true, but she's not a risk-taker like her twin brother. Frustrated, Jolene convinces herself that it would be easier to take risks if she were a boy. Her grandfather disagrees, but then her father thinks her grandfather might be as crazy as his old stories. For her part, Jolene thinks her father, who's trying to preserve history in a Museum of Disasters, is the crazy one. Jolene learns the truth when they take a trip to the Crowsnest Pass to research the Frank Slide, and she discovers that her grandfather has found a way to step back into time. In 1903, disguised as a boy, Jolene must face the wrath of an impatient teacher, challenge her ability as a gymnast, and disentangle herself from an embarrassing love triangle. She must also face the fact that the generous people of the town of Frank are living in the path of disaster and she cannot save them. She can, however, save herself and her grandfather and does so in a desperate race against time. But the lessons of the past are not lost in the present. Jolene discovers a way to revitalize her father's museum by preserving the story in history, and she prepares herself to take a few risks herself – as a girl. An historical novel for readers age nine and up, Shadows of Disaster brings to life Canada's deadliest rockslide through a portrait of a young girl learning to be her own self.

Cathy Beveridge enjoys exploring memorable and often defining moments in time. Her novels include Tragic Links, a thrilling tale of two Quebec tragedies; Shadows of Disaster, a Frank Slide adventure; Chaos in Halifax, about the Halifax explosion; and Stormstruck, the story of the Ontario Great Storm of 1913. Two contemporary novels, Offside and One on One, were published by Thistledown Press. Her books have won the Snow Willow Award and been shortlisted for the Rocky Mountain, Gold Eagle, Diamond Willow and Red Cedar awards. Beveridge often visits schools and libraries, giving workshops and readings. She lives with her family in Calgary.