The Great Fire

by Jim Murphy

Members	Reviews	Popularity	Average rating	Conversations
248	13	22,934	(3.93)	2

LibraryThing members' description

Book description

An excellent and gripping account that follows the Chicago Fire (1871) through the perspective of several survivors in different parts of the city. Supported by illustrations and photographs from primary sources, as well as a series of maps showing the spread of the fire.

Vocabulary level would be appropriate for upper-intermediate readers, but the density of the text makes it a better resource for readers in junior high and up.

Book descriptions

Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0590472674, Hardcover)

A vertible cinematic account of the catastrophe that decimated much of Chicago in 1871, forcing more than 100,000 people from their homes. Jim Murphy tells the story through the eyes of several survivors. These characters serve as dramatic focal points as the fire sweeps across the city, their stories illuminated by fascinating archival photos and maps outlining the spread of fire. 1996 Newbery Honor Book.

Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0439203074, Paperback)

"Vivid firsthand descriptions by persons who lived through the 1871 Chicago fire are woven into a gripping account... Absorbing and riveting reading." The Horn Book, starred review

(retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:58:23 -0400)