Dark Water Rising

I looked and saw water rushing in from Galveston Bay on one side and from the gulf on the other. The two seas met in the middle of Broadway, swirling over the wooden paving blocks, and I couldn't help but shudder at the sight. All of Galveston appeared to be under water. Galveston, Texas, may be the booming city of the brand-new twentieth century, but to Seth, it is the end of a dream. He longs to be a carpenter like his father, but his family has moved to Galveston so he can go to a good school. Still, the last few weeks of summer might not be so bad. Seth has a real job as a builder and the beach is within walking distance. Things seem to be looking up, until a storm warning is raised one sweltering afternoon. No one could have imagined anything like this. Giant walls of water crash in from the sea. Shingles and bricks are deadly missiles flying through the air. People not hit by flying debris are swept away by rushing water. Forget the future, Seth and his family will be lucky to survive the next twenty-four hours.

MARIAN HALE is the author of two acclaimed historical novels, The Truth About Sparrows and Dark Water Rising. Her next book, The Goodbye Season, will be available in October 2009 from Henry Holt. She lives with her husband, daughter, and grandbabies on the Texas Coast.

“As exciting as the best action and disaster movies. . . . Exciting, tear jerking, and life affirming, this is historical fiction at its best.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review “This fine example of historical fiction has something for almost everyone.”—Booklist, Starred Review “Fact and fiction are blended effortlessly together in an exciting read that leaves readers with a sense of hope.”—School Library Journal A Booklist Editor’s Choice and Top Ten First NovelA Bank Street Best Children's Book of the YearIRA Teachers' ChoicesNYPL Books for the Teen AgeIndiana Young Hoosier Award Master ListNew Mexico Land of Enchantment Master ListTennessee Intermediate Volunteer State Book Award Master ListTexas Lone Star Reading ListTexas TAYSHAS High School Reading ListVT Green Mountain Book Award Master List