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bhauser's review against another edition
4.0
I love Jim Murphy's ability to write about an event in history through the lens of those who lived it. In this book his research dispells the myths of the great fire that destroyed Chicago in 1871, and points out many errors in reporting and handling the fire, and natural forces that took place enbling the fire to travel far and fast across the city. The photographs and illustrations are well placed and help with visualizing the destruction but what I found most helpful were the maps of the city at the end of each chapter that showed the progress of the fire and key places mentioned in that chapter.
k_lee_reads_it's review against another edition
4.0
The story of the 1871 Chicago fire. Detailed in his use of facts, first person accounts, and information of the time, Murphy gives the reader a stark look into the fire before, during and after. While meant for a YA audience, this book could be enjoyed by any age.
I listened on audiobook. I recommend getting the book. I know a fair bit about Chicago, but the maps in the book would have greatly enhanced my experience.
I listened on audiobook. I recommend getting the book. I know a fair bit about Chicago, but the maps in the book would have greatly enhanced my experience.
abigailbat's review against another edition
2.0
Well-researched, but rather dry. I listened to the audio recording of this title and it was fine, but not especially captivating.
zhzhang's review against another edition
5.0
Such a wonderful book with an engrossing story and vivid narration.
lwpcole's review against another edition
5.0
Jim Murphy's style makes non-fiction seem like fiction. I learned a lot about the Great Fire. I am super glad our school chose this book for us to read. Right now, I am reading another book by Jim Murphy, [b:An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793|46727|An American Plague The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793|Jim Murphy|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431280131s/46727.jpg|45822].
Jim Murphy writes very detailed books. The story of survivors and actual people there enhance this book and take it to a whole nother level. This is a for certain must-read, for any age.
Jim Murphy writes very detailed books. The story of survivors and actual people there enhance this book and take it to a whole nother level. This is a for certain must-read, for any age.
martha_schwalbe's review against another edition
4.0
I wonder how this happens, I fall into a series of books that are all very similar although they are completely unrelated. I did this a few years ago by linking "The Bird" to the Chilean miners who were rescued using a tube created by NASA, in six books.
This is the third book in about three I've read about cover ups and misleading the public.
I enjoyed this book and I'd recommend to readers who enjoy history.
This is the third book in about three I've read about cover ups and misleading the public.
I enjoyed this book and I'd recommend to readers who enjoy history.
tamarayork's review against another edition
4.0
Newbery Challenge 178/415. Engaging nonfiction. Very well done.
just_hebah's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a while since I read anything about the Chicago fire, so this was an interesting read. Breaks down, in an approachable fashion, why the fire got so out of hand and the social prejudices that kicked in during the aftermath.
tealmango's review against another edition
4.0
Read the full review here: http://newberyandbeyond.com/newbery-roundup-october-2017/
messbauer's review against another edition
5.0
This is a seriously well-written history. Key actors’ points of view are given through excerpts from primary source documents, and tons of maps and pictures are included throughout to really bring the disaster to life.