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Fighting Fire! Ten of the Deadliest Fires in American History and How We Fought Them

Fighting Fire! Ten of the Deadliest Fires in American History and How We Fought Them

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2014

Review

This book tells the stories about ten of our country's deadliest fires including colonial America's biggest fire in 1760, the New York fire of 1835, Chicago's big fire in 1871, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and the catastrophe of 9/11. It has many fascinating pictures, political cartoons, newspaper covers and artists' depictions around these devastating events. The text moves along well, not dragging in the least, which is of great importance for younger readers. People who were involved in these fires are quoted and this makes the devastation experienced seem more real. This reviewer learned much about the history of fire, new procedures and laws that were put into effect after each fire, and was drawn into the personal accounts by people that were effected. This choice combines history with the always scintillating topic of fire to great effect. I recommend it highly.

Overall Book Score: excellent