Snow Struck

A family encounters a freezing landscape in Courage's (Storm Blown) page-turning climate disaster set in New York City. Seventh grader Elizabeth and little brother Matty have been living and learning remotely at a Value Inn since Florida's biggest storm blew the roof off the family's home, and a trip to visit cousin Ashley in Manhattan offers an ideal break. While Elizabeth welcomes a respite from their family's close hotel quarters, nervous Matty, addicted to weather apps, quickly grows anxious about the uncharacteristically warm East Coast weather--which pivots to an arctic blast, then a blizzard, within 24 hours of their arrival. When Ashley's Pomeranian escapes, her reckless father and the three presumed-white children search for her across the city on foot, only to find themselves in real danger from blinding snow and frigid temperatures. Alternating between perspectives--including animals affected by the sudden storm--and locations in and outside of New York City, Courage maintains a swift pace bolstered by engaging appearances, including a candy-loving climate scientist and Pizza Rat. An author's note discusses global warming, extreme weather events, and caring for the environment. Ages 8-12. Agent: Rachel Ekstrom, Folio Literary. (Jan.)