"[1] and the School Library Journal wrote "The narrative is a readable and seamless blend of history and adventure adapted from extensive first-person accounts and primary news sources.

"[2] In a review of an audio version of the book Publishers Weekly wrote "Murphy's well-rounded information about the various circumstances that worsened the effects of the storm make the tale both more fascinating and more tragic.

"[3] The Horn Book Magazine stated "Murphy treats his subject with respect as he curbs the inherent sensationalism of the topic through an informal, journalistic style.

Sepia-colored illustrations (archival photographs and original art from the period) reinforce the historical setting .."[4] and Voice of Youth Advocates wrote "this first annual Sibert Award honor book will appeal to both teens and adults interested in weather extremes and history.

"[4] In a review for The New York Times, Mary Russell wrote "Murphy's gift for dealing with disasters .. is that he manages to make them, simultaneously, both larger than we'd thought and smaller, more human than we'd imagined.