Vivid storytelling and authentic dialogue bring American history to life and place readers in the shoes of people who experienced one of the worst fires in American history - the Great Chicago Fire. In October 1871 the Midwest was in the midst of one of the driest periods on record. A center of modern firefighting technology all of Chicago's resources were put to the test by a fire that almost completely destroyed the city. Suspenseful dramatic events unfold in chronological interwoven stories from the different perspectives of people who experienced the event while it was happening. Narratives intertwine to create a breathless 'What's Next' kind of read. Students gain a new perspective on historical figures as they learn about real people struggling to decide how best to act in a given moment.
Author Biography
Steven Otfinoski has written more than 150 books for young readers. Three of his nonfiction books have been chosen Books for the Teen Age by the New York Public Library. Steve is also a playwright and has his own theater company that brings one-person plays about American history to schools. Steve lives in Connecticut with his wife, who is a teacher. They have two children, two dogs, and a cat.
