The Great Fire

The Great Fire
Jim Murphy
Scholastic, 1995
144 pages
Grades 4-Up
Non-Fiction

Murphy presents an unbiased and well researched account of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 using original resources when possible. What do most people know about the Great Fire? Well, most of us know that it started in Mrs. O'Leary's barn when a cow knocked over a lantern while being milked. This turns out to be untrue. Murphy demystifies the falsehoods of the fire, while explaining to the readers what actually happened and how it all went wrong. The chapters move along chronologically, while maps of the fire's spread end each chapter in order to add context. Period photos and illustrations offer readers a visual of the proceedings, both accurate and sensationalized. Source notes, a bibliography and an index round out the volume of this solid piece of non-fiction that earned the author a Newbery Honor in 1996.

The Great Fire is a great choice for both history buffs and kids who have to read a non-fiction book, but don't think they will like non-fiction. Because of the first person narratives and chronological order, this book almost reads like fiction and feels more of a story than an actual historic account. A fire of this magnitude is so hard to comprehend. The visual matter, especially the maps, will help readers put it all in perspective. Murphy's thoroughly researched and documented, yet still readable, account rightfully earned him a Newbery Honor. Though published twenty-five years ago, the history of this event has not changed and the text remains relevant. I was in Chicago a few years back and enjoyed a historic a walking tour. Our tour guide talked about the fire and showed us some of the temporary housing still in use that was quickly installed after the horrific event. I would have liked to read a bit more about the aftermath and rebuilding of the city, but at least readers will be reassured that the city did rebuild-and is better than ever! A solid piece of historical non-fiction that still fascinates.