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The Color of Fire
Set in 1741 New York City, this hypnotic tale, drawn from an obscure slice of American history, delves into topical issues, where a culture of fear creates a hunger for a scapegoat, and a mob mentality results in the tragic deaths of innocents.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
11 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Ann Rinaldi
68 books981 followersAnn Rinaldi (b. August 27, 1934, in New York City) is a young adult fiction author. She is best known for her historical fiction, including In My Father's House, The Last Silk Dress, An Acquaintance with Darkness, A Break with Charity, and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons. She has written a total of forty novels, eight of which were listed as notable by the ALA. In 2000, Wolf by the Ears was listed as one the best novels of the preceding twenty-five years, and later of the last one hundred years. She is the most prolific writer for the Great Episode series, a series of historical fiction novels set during the American Colonial era. She also writes for the Dear America series.
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 16, 2009
This book is an eye-opening account of Phoebe, a young black slave in New York City, during the time of the war with Spain. I had no idea there was fear of a "great Negro plot" in New York at this time and that slavery was such a difficult issue in the north. The mob mentality that existed at this time resulted in the tragic death of more innocent people than perished in the Salem witch trials.
October 15, 2009
Based on historical facts... slaves were burned at the stake in New York City in 1741. Unexplained fires around the city are blamed on slaves, and young Phoebe finds herself torn between giving poison to her friend, Cuffee so that he won't suffer as he burns... a chilling story when American was still a colony of Britain and people feared slaves and Catholics for we were at war with Spain - a Catholic country. Ann Rinaldi does a great job of bringing this piece of history to life.
February 3, 2016
This is a somewhat harsh Ann Rinaldi book of an event that that most people probably have never even heard of. It's referred to as 'The Great Negro Plot' of 1741 in New York City.
This is at time decades before the colonies fought for their independence. It's a time when living conditions were still fairly primitive, and slavery was present both in the North and the South. There were still people working, though, on what amounted to a very, very early version of the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape so they could live with Native American tribes in the area.
This story is about one slave, Phoebe who, of course, had her own problems being a slave. There were other problems, though, in that apparently there was extremely strong dislike of Catholics in the area at the time, and her tutor is suspected of being a Catholic priest, so there is one theme.
The other, larger theme lies in another slave at the house, and the suspicion that he is involved with other slaves in a series of fires. In effect, it was considered a slave uprising. The author does an excellent job showing how the fears of the white people led to a situation which was very similar to the Salem Witchcraft Trials which were only a relatively short time in their past.
Blacks would be picked up and tortured to get confessions, and they would implicate other blacks in the 'plot.' The leaders of those doing the questioning, though, considered Blacks of limited intelligence, and assumed that their 'real brains' behind the plot just had to be a white person, so even some whites were picked up for questioning.
This was also not a small number of people involved, either. It ended up that 17 Black men were hung. Another 13 Black men were burned alive at the stake. Two white men and two white women were also hung for their alleged involvement in this 'plot.'
In addition to all of this, Phoebe has to struggle with a major decision. A Black doctor has given her some poisoned food to give to two of the Blacks who are scheduled to be burned alive. It would kill them before the fires would become bad and thus would ease their suffering. She has to decide if this is the right thing to do, and if she is the person that can do it.
All of this is written in a very realistic manner, bringing the reader right into the midst of everything going on. Definitely an interesting, if upsetting, book to read.
This is at time decades before the colonies fought for their independence. It's a time when living conditions were still fairly primitive, and slavery was present both in the North and the South. There were still people working, though, on what amounted to a very, very early version of the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape so they could live with Native American tribes in the area.
This story is about one slave, Phoebe who, of course, had her own problems being a slave. There were other problems, though, in that apparently there was extremely strong dislike of Catholics in the area at the time, and her tutor is suspected of being a Catholic priest, so there is one theme.
The other, larger theme lies in another slave at the house, and the suspicion that he is involved with other slaves in a series of fires. In effect, it was considered a slave uprising. The author does an excellent job showing how the fears of the white people led to a situation which was very similar to the Salem Witchcraft Trials which were only a relatively short time in their past.
Blacks would be picked up and tortured to get confessions, and they would implicate other blacks in the 'plot.' The leaders of those doing the questioning, though, considered Blacks of limited intelligence, and assumed that their 'real brains' behind the plot just had to be a white person, so even some whites were picked up for questioning.
This was also not a small number of people involved, either. It ended up that 17 Black men were hung. Another 13 Black men were burned alive at the stake. Two white men and two white women were also hung for their alleged involvement in this 'plot.'
In addition to all of this, Phoebe has to struggle with a major decision. A Black doctor has given her some poisoned food to give to two of the Blacks who are scheduled to be burned alive. It would kill them before the fires would become bad and thus would ease their suffering. She has to decide if this is the right thing to do, and if she is the person that can do it.
All of this is written in a very realistic manner, bringing the reader right into the midst of everything going on. Definitely an interesting, if upsetting, book to read.
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April 17, 2015This is the summary of the color of fire. It is about a slave girl named Phoebe. It is set in New York city back i the colonial times. Another slave is Cuffee who is main suspect in the fires that hit the city. Now the king is offering freedom and money to any slaves who can give names of the people involved with the fires. Now the main character Phoebe is tore between getting her freedom or helping out her friends. And her teacher is a suspect for being a priest.Her teacher is named Mr.Ury . Now being pressured by her friends and neighbors to give information and get her freedom. Will Phoebe give names to help herself or will she help out her friends?
This is my critical analysis of the book " the color of fire." I didn't enjoy how the everybody automatically assumed it was black that started the fire. But a white person was the brains behind the operation. I also dislike how they made the people of the city seem like blood crazed maniacs. But i liked how the story revolved around a group of black people. And how even though their master felt be trade he still tried to protect them. Something i am on the fence about is if the story's protagonist running away is a fitting end to the story. That is my critical analysis of the book " the color of fire."
This paragraph is about who i would recommend this book to. If you like historical fiction papers then this might the book for you. Or if you like books that are suspenseful and will have asking for more this is for you. But you like fast pace, sporty type books than this book different not for you. This book is a reflective book that shows how far we came as a society. And if you not willing to acknowledge that then you are wasting. your time reading this book. To those considering this book if a good short book for to read by the fire place on a cold night. Those are the people i would recommend this book to.
This is my critical analysis of the book " the color of fire." I didn't enjoy how the everybody automatically assumed it was black that started the fire. But a white person was the brains behind the operation. I also dislike how they made the people of the city seem like blood crazed maniacs. But i liked how the story revolved around a group of black people. And how even though their master felt be trade he still tried to protect them. Something i am on the fence about is if the story's protagonist running away is a fitting end to the story. That is my critical analysis of the book " the color of fire."
This paragraph is about who i would recommend this book to. If you like historical fiction papers then this might the book for you. Or if you like books that are suspenseful and will have asking for more this is for you. But you like fast pace, sporty type books than this book different not for you. This book is a reflective book that shows how far we came as a society. And if you not willing to acknowledge that then you are wasting. your time reading this book. To those considering this book if a good short book for to read by the fire place on a cold night. Those are the people i would recommend this book to.
February 11, 2012
The story opens just as a fire is beginning to catch in Master Philipse's warehouse, and Phoebe, Master Philipse's black servant and the eyes and ears of the book, is attempting to find out who started it. As the days go on and more fires are mysteriously started, the townsfolk become increasingly suspicious and suspect that the slaves not only are responsible for the wreckage but that they also are planning a murderous revolt against their masters. There is so much adventure throughtout the book, however, the book had a lousy and confusing ending. I recomend this book to historical fiction readers.
October 14, 2016
This book was exciting, and suspenseful. I love how brave Phoebe was even though she was so young. It was such a beautiful little book to me because it shows everything I'm afraid to take charge and be the bigger person. To me this was sort of like a history book but it puts pieces of your own life in there. If you're looking for a book about friendship and dependability in yourself than this book is the book you want to read. In the beginning it was hard to get into but if you last all the way through the whole book when you're done with the book it will change you. I give this book a good 3 out of five it was great but not exactly my type
June 21, 2010
This is a beautifully written story about true events in 1741, New York. Several buildings have been set on fire. As the populace gets angry and fearful, the need to find anyone to pin the blame on grows.
Rinaldi weaves a suspenseful story that shows how an angry mob leads not to justice just to revenge. People are afraid of a slave uprising and of Catholics conspiring with the Spanish who are at war with the British. It leads to a deadly mix.
I really enjoyed the telling of this story through the eyes of a teenage slave.
Rinaldi weaves a suspenseful story that shows how an angry mob leads not to justice just to revenge. People are afraid of a slave uprising and of Catholics conspiring with the Spanish who are at war with the British. It leads to a deadly mix.
I really enjoyed the telling of this story through the eyes of a teenage slave.
May 29, 2013
This was one of the better books I have read by Ann Rinaldi, and this story was something I had never heard about. We have all heard so many stories of the horrors of southern slavery, but this story about slavery in New York City twenty years before the American revolution and the widespread hatred and distrust of the 'negro slaves' was something I had never hear about before. The story's main character was thrust into the events of the city and struggled to make sense of all that she saw and was part of.
December 12, 2013
Flames licked up the walls, but it was not just walls anymore. More had been done than that. Phoebe a young slave girl who had witnessed the burnings and now was put in some difficult places. People were talking to save their own life's would Phoebe talk or hold true. Who was to blame it was not always fair who decided. Towns members true identities revealed. who is good and who is bad. You may never know.
December 27, 2016
Set in New York City in 1741, this historical fiction is about how people feared that Catholics were secret agents. Mass hysteria ensues when white people accused black people of setting fires. Once again, readers are taken to a time in American history when the culture of fear results in the deaths of many innocent people.
I appreciate Rinaldi's inclusions of notes and bibliography at the end.
I appreciate Rinaldi's inclusions of notes and bibliography at the end.
March 17, 2011
I finished this book during the PSSAs, it only took less than an hour to read.
It's good but it's really sad. But then its historical fiction and fates...
It's about the slaves and stuff.
BTW, I feel bad for the main character, she's going through a lot of sad stuff.
It can feel a bit long in the beginning but it's... interesting...
It's good but it's really sad. But then its historical fiction and fates...
It's about the slaves and stuff.
BTW, I feel bad for the main character, she's going through a lot of sad stuff.
It can feel a bit long in the beginning but it's... interesting...
June 9, 2017
It was alright. Short and didn't really go anywhere. I mean, I guess there was an endgame but it just...ended. For middle grade but could've been better. I liked Chains better.
June 27, 2017
An interesting book about early American history I had never heard of before. "The Great Negro Plot" of 1741 in New York City was much like the Salem Witch Trials. This book is written for children/young teens, so it's a quick read that conveys the terrible racisms, paranoia, and executions without gruesome details.
Humans are terrible to each other.
Humans are terrible to each other.
June 22, 2008
This book is a historical fiction book on the "great Negro plot" of 1741 in New York City. I actually had never heard of this and was surprised that I didn't know more about it. The book was and interesting read and thought provoking but it wasn't the best book ever hence the three stars.
January 30, 2010
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and enlightened me a little about the "great Negro Plot." I had never heard of this before. I think young girls would really enjoy this book (ages 9-14 maybe.)
March 23, 2010
I really liked looking at a part of history I had never read about before. It wasn't the deepest book, but I can see it's usefulness to provoke discussion about the mob mentality, self-preservation, and other topics usually associated with the Salem Witch Trials.
May 2, 2010
The brutal, unjust handling of slave uprisings in 18th century New York; a strong, well-written protagonist and enough realism to make this effective without being overly graphic for middle-grade readers
July 9, 2010
A really interesting historical fiction piece about the alleged slave uprising in NYC in the 1700s. A little piece of history I'd never known about before told through the eyes of a fictional slave.
July 16, 2010
Another great historical fiction by Ann Rinaldi. As much as my students love reading her works, I think I enjoy them even more! This account based in New York City in 1741 opened my eyes to events I didn't even know occurred and leads to a great teaching opportunity about slave life in the North.
May 30, 2011
This story was based on an incident in our history about which I knew nothing--"great Negro plot" in New York in 1741. There was a witch hunt, even worse than the Salem Witch Hunt. I love learning from Ann Rinaldi's books!
September 27, 2012
Horrible. I hated the ending. I hated the beginning. And everything in-between. If you are planning to read this because of the genre, I recommend CHAINS by Laurie Halse Anderson, which is an amazing book. It is also the first in a trilogy, if you like that kind of thing.
January 9, 2011
Initial thoughts after reading (found in a notebook): A nice book on a part of history that I had never even heard about.
August 24, 2008
Kind of slow, but a good story.
November 26, 2008
this book i read for school, was a little confusing, but good. really sad. People died by being burned in this book.
February 2, 2010
I thought this was a great read for February since it is black history month but I didn't like the way it ended. I wish they would have given more details.
July 30, 2010
While an interesting historical account akin to the witch trials in Salem, I did not like the prose. Choppy.
March 14, 2011
In New York City, 1741, mass hysteria ensues when whites begin to accuse black slaves of setting fires to start and uprising.
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May 25, 2011Read by Kelly, Spring 2006
January 28, 2012
The Color of Fire is a book about the slave revolts and who is being effected read about Phoebe and many more in this book about fixing slavery.
May 17, 2012
This is a book for upper elementary or middle schoolers, so it only took a couple hours to read, but it dealt with a fascinating chapter in American history that I knew absolutely nothing about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews