When the Great Blizzard of 1888 hits the American Midwest, eleven-year-old John Hale is stuck in the school house with his classmates. The rescue efforts of the men in town take a terrible turn, and John and a few of his friends are forced to take shelter inside a large haystack. Includes an author note highlighting the true story that inspired John's story, historical facts, resources for further information, a map, and archival photographs.