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History Comics
History Comics: The Great Chicago Fire: Rising From the Ashes
Turn back the clock with History Comics! In The Great Chicago Fire you'll learn how a city rose up from one of the worst catastrophes in American history.
A deadly blaze engulfs Chicago for two terrifying days! A brother, a sister, and a helpless puppy must race through the city to stay one step ahead of the devilish inferno. But can they reunite with their lost family before it’s too late?
A deadly blaze engulfs Chicago for two terrifying days! A brother, a sister, and a helpless puppy must race through the city to stay one step ahead of the devilish inferno. But can they reunite with their lost family before it’s too late?
128 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2020
10 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
January 16, 2021
This historical fiction follows the overused Magic Tree House and I Survived formula of having two fictional kids (and their puppy!) running around during a very real disaster, coincidentally passing real people and critical moments of the event. The flow of the kids' story is interrupted with insertions of firsthand accounts and occasional digressions about architecture.
No one in the book dies, and more note is made of the buildings lost and area razed than of the 300 people who died. Even in a book for children, it seems weird to sanitize a disaster of the human toll.
There is some cool trivia to be found throughout, and an interesting juxtaposition to the Chicago World's Fair twenty years later, but the indirect approach to the material via the fictional kids' adventures makes this weaker than the first book I read in this series, The Roanoke Colony: America's First Mystery.
No one in the book dies, and more note is made of the buildings lost and area razed than of the 300 people who died. Even in a book for children, it seems weird to sanitize a disaster of the human toll.
There is some cool trivia to be found throughout, and an interesting juxtaposition to the Chicago World's Fair twenty years later, but the indirect approach to the material via the fictional kids' adventures makes this weaker than the first book I read in this series, The Roanoke Colony: America's First Mystery.
January 15, 2021
Non fiction graphic novel about the fire that destroyed Chicago in 1871. The story is told by a little boy and girl who lose their family and go searching for them while the fire rage is all around their town. Very interesting retelling of an historical event
December 14, 2020
My brother had this and I needed books for my reading challenge lol
June 10, 2020
I'm a grown woman and didn't know a lot about this topic, so I think middle grader readers will find it really intriguing. The pacing threw me off at a few times but overall, an interesting read. I liked how the myths were dispelled, as well as going into anti-immigrant sentiments. (As a fan of world's fair histories, the glimpse at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago at the end had me especially interested!)
March 5, 2022
Honestly it was ok I’m just not that into comics but I loved the drawings and it really did teach me about the Great Chicago Fire.
January 27, 2022
Likely the weakest of the History Comics books I've read thus far, The Great Chicago Fire is still an absorbing read that does a decent job of presenting a "you are there" narrative. We follow J.P. and Franny as they escape the blaze and find themselves in a series of locations that are unexpectedly key to the narrative. Very likely that two kids would be both at Mrs. O'Leary's barn right before the fire starts and in Lincoln Park as the fire sputters out nearby.
It's a book for kids, though, and I'm sure younger readers will appreciate following their peers through the orange hellscape. There's not quite enough history or context in The Great Chicago Fire for me, though. I found the concluding "fast facts" and "places to visit" sections more intriguing than the actual narrative. And why go through the effort of adding a coda at the Columbian Exposition if you're not going to offer any information about that fascinating event?
It's a book for kids, though, and I'm sure younger readers will appreciate following their peers through the orange hellscape. There's not quite enough history or context in The Great Chicago Fire for me, though. I found the concluding "fast facts" and "places to visit" sections more intriguing than the actual narrative. And why go through the effort of adding a coda at the Columbian Exposition if you're not going to offer any information about that fascinating event?
May 19, 2024
This felt way too candy coated and twee for the subject matter.
October 2, 2020
3.5 stars I am not sure what genre this would be so I am going to call it a narrative nonfiction graphic novel that I really enjoyed. Focusing on the Great Chicago Fire we follow a brother and sister as they navigate the streets of Chicago trying to find their parents while also contending with the treachrous fire closing in on them and the city. This was the perfect mix of fact and story and it would be a great read for students. I look forward to reading more in the History Comics series.
July 19, 2022
A just-right read for my third graders learning about Chicago's history. Lots of interesting facts in a format the kids will love.
March 27, 2025
So so so good u met the aotther she is so cool
November 12, 2020
A fascination look at one of the most devastating tragedies in American history.
February 19, 2023
The book paused the story a lot to tell me random information. These facts should have just been added at the end.
October 3, 2020
A good introduction to The Great Chicago Fire for children in a graphic novel format. I personally was looking for a little more depth, but my 10 year old enjoyed it.
November 12, 2020
Always love when history comes alive, and particularly enjoy reading about historical events near me. 2nd-6th graders will love this new graphic novel series.
June 25, 2020
This was a very factual, yet pleasing, graphic novel for children. Thanks again to NetGalley and First Second for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for feedback.
This is a middle grade graphic novel that allowed me to learn more about the Great Chicago Fire without feeling overwhelmed with all of the facts. It not only talked about the fire, but also provided information about how it possibly started to what was done after the fire diminished. It didn’t break the people that lived there during that time; it helped them rebuild the city to what it is now (and providing ways to make construction of buildings better than it was). I loved the illustrations and can’t wait to read more History Comics!
This is a middle grade graphic novel that allowed me to learn more about the Great Chicago Fire without feeling overwhelmed with all of the facts. It not only talked about the fire, but also provided information about how it possibly started to what was done after the fire diminished. It didn’t break the people that lived there during that time; it helped them rebuild the city to what it is now (and providing ways to make construction of buildings better than it was). I loved the illustrations and can’t wait to read more History Comics!
August 26, 2020
Lots to love about this new graphic novel series. A historical fiction time machine filled with an urgent storyline and plenty of information about this important event in Chicago history.
August 23, 2020
A fictionalized tale told in graphic novel format about the Great Chicago Fire and 1893 World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago World's Fair).
J.P. and Frannie are separated from their parents the night the Great Chicago Fire burns up about 1/4 of Chicago. They desperately search for them, heading from site to site as they flee the flames. Two days later, they are happily reunited. The story jumps J.P. and Frannie ahead 21 years to the World's Fair to show how Chicago has risen from the ashes into a vibrant, modern city.
This was a satisfying story, although I never felt a strong connection to J.P. and Frannie. Their sense of fear and uncertainty was palpable, but never gripping. Hannigan includes plenty of facts and events that happened that ground this, however action and conversation is framed around two fictional characters, making this historical fiction. For this reader, the page turn jump in time was a little abrupt and the section on the World's Fair felt a bit disconnected, awkward, and forced - like she was trying to cram a lot of facts and detail into a small space. Graudins' cartoony illustrations are colorful and appropriate. A couple of maps are included in the story to give the reader a sense of the magnitude of the fire. There was a printing problem on pp. 106-107 in the review copy; it is off just enough to make the 2-page spread blurry in comparison to the sharpness found throughout the rest of the book.
The introduction by Rev. John McNalis, chaplain for the Chicago Fire Department, was a nice touch and gave historical perspective. Unfortunately, I suspect many comic book readers will skip over this due to its length (3 1/2 pages) and density of text. Backmatter includes an author's note, a timeline of the fire, a list of sites and a map to their locations that visitors can see today, a page of miscellaneous facts about the fire, a bibliography and list of resources for more information.
A solid overview of the Great Chicago Fire for younger readers. Readers in grades 4-8 who want more detail and a more satisfying reading experience will find it in Jim Murphy's Newbery Honor Book The Great Fire (Scholastic, c1995).
Additional for grades 2-4.
J.P. and Frannie are separated from their parents the night the Great Chicago Fire burns up about 1/4 of Chicago. They desperately search for them, heading from site to site as they flee the flames. Two days later, they are happily reunited. The story jumps J.P. and Frannie ahead 21 years to the World's Fair to show how Chicago has risen from the ashes into a vibrant, modern city.
This was a satisfying story, although I never felt a strong connection to J.P. and Frannie. Their sense of fear and uncertainty was palpable, but never gripping. Hannigan includes plenty of facts and events that happened that ground this, however action and conversation is framed around two fictional characters, making this historical fiction. For this reader, the page turn jump in time was a little abrupt and the section on the World's Fair felt a bit disconnected, awkward, and forced - like she was trying to cram a lot of facts and detail into a small space. Graudins' cartoony illustrations are colorful and appropriate. A couple of maps are included in the story to give the reader a sense of the magnitude of the fire. There was a printing problem on pp. 106-107 in the review copy; it is off just enough to make the 2-page spread blurry in comparison to the sharpness found throughout the rest of the book.
The introduction by Rev. John McNalis, chaplain for the Chicago Fire Department, was a nice touch and gave historical perspective. Unfortunately, I suspect many comic book readers will skip over this due to its length (3 1/2 pages) and density of text. Backmatter includes an author's note, a timeline of the fire, a list of sites and a map to their locations that visitors can see today, a page of miscellaneous facts about the fire, a bibliography and list of resources for more information.
A solid overview of the Great Chicago Fire for younger readers. Readers in grades 4-8 who want more detail and a more satisfying reading experience will find it in Jim Murphy's Newbery Honor Book The Great Fire (Scholastic, c1995).
Additional for grades 2-4.
December 7, 2020
Middle grade graphic novel, historical fiction. After the success of the Science Comics series, the publisher has ventured into history. Kate Hannigan wrote the inaugural book, which makes sense since her historical fiction for this age is wonderful. The Great Chicago Fire in 1871 burned for 30 hours, destroyed 1/3 of the homes in the city, and changed architecture forever. After a letter from a Chicago Fire chaplain and historian, Hannigan takes us right to the neighborhood of infamous (and innocent) Mrs. O'Leary. We see the fire unfold through the eyes of J.P. and Franny, Irish American siblings who got separated from their family while trying to reunite a puppy with its mother. As they try to escape the flames and find their own family, they hear a lot of anti-Immigrant rhetoric. When the rain finally puts out the fire, they witness the devastation of their city. The last section shows the World Fair in 1893, which is celebrated as Chicago's "rebirth" after the fire. Back matter includes an author's note, an expanded timeline of the events of the fire, a map of the city with relevant landmarks, additional facts about Chicago and the Fire, and an extensive resource list.
I had heard about this event of course, but not recently and not in this detail. Reading that 100,000 people lost their homes, that over 70 miles of streets were destroyed, and that the damages would cost $4 billion in today's currency is just shocking. Seeing those numbers, it amazes me that only 300 people died from the fire. This story is done very well, with the fictional parts in white text boxes and the historical facts or primary source quotes being framed by beige text boxes. This keeps the flow of the story going while keeping a clear line between what is fact and what is story. The ways that the fire changed the city (it burnt so quickly because everything was made of wood) were also very interesting to read. Ending the story with the Columbian Fair keeps it from ending on a depressing note and also shows how quickly innovations can happen. Recommended for history and architecture buffs or anyone who wants to learn more about this famous tragedy.
I had heard about this event of course, but not recently and not in this detail. Reading that 100,000 people lost their homes, that over 70 miles of streets were destroyed, and that the damages would cost $4 billion in today's currency is just shocking. Seeing those numbers, it amazes me that only 300 people died from the fire. This story is done very well, with the fictional parts in white text boxes and the historical facts or primary source quotes being framed by beige text boxes. This keeps the flow of the story going while keeping a clear line between what is fact and what is story. The ways that the fire changed the city (it burnt so quickly because everything was made of wood) were also very interesting to read. Ending the story with the Columbian Fair keeps it from ending on a depressing note and also shows how quickly innovations can happen. Recommended for history and architecture buffs or anyone who wants to learn more about this famous tragedy.
October 28, 2024
Spoiler Free Review
This historical fiction tells the store of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It is told and perceived in the eyes of a girl named Maggie. The city of Chicago is portrayed as a beautiful city thats full of life and community. They witness the fire break out and the destruction it causes in their neighborhoods. Like most, Maggie struggles to find safety with her family but also watches the bravery of those helping one anther and battling the fire. Kate Hannigan depicts the aftermath in her graphic novel while also showing the importance of unity and community. Maggie learns this as an important factor of rebuilding her community. The author does a good job in portraying the damage the fire cause and showcasing courage, sacrifice and the will to survive and overcome adversity (ChatGPT, October 26, 2024).
Commentary
Being a born Chicago native, We have learned about the Great Chicago Fire growing up. It was a tragedy that had uprooted the lives of thousands of people. During my trip last semester to the DuSable Black History Museum, there was a part of the museum that highlighted the fire and how African American communities suffered greatly from it. This is an important piece of regional history for our area that students should be encouraged to learn about. This story as written by Kate Hannigan not only illustrates the tragedy but shows the keys themes as the importance of community and courage. The characters in the story not only helped each other in the face of danger but also came together to rebuild their lives and their homes.
Application
After doing a little Google research, a field trip to the Chicago History Museum would be ideal application for this lesson. It can provide more insight to the fire that struck Chicago, how it left families and communities in shambles and the process form building back up and the opportunities it presented during Chicago’s resurrection.
This historical fiction tells the store of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It is told and perceived in the eyes of a girl named Maggie. The city of Chicago is portrayed as a beautiful city thats full of life and community. They witness the fire break out and the destruction it causes in their neighborhoods. Like most, Maggie struggles to find safety with her family but also watches the bravery of those helping one anther and battling the fire. Kate Hannigan depicts the aftermath in her graphic novel while also showing the importance of unity and community. Maggie learns this as an important factor of rebuilding her community. The author does a good job in portraying the damage the fire cause and showcasing courage, sacrifice and the will to survive and overcome adversity (ChatGPT, October 26, 2024).
Commentary
Being a born Chicago native, We have learned about the Great Chicago Fire growing up. It was a tragedy that had uprooted the lives of thousands of people. During my trip last semester to the DuSable Black History Museum, there was a part of the museum that highlighted the fire and how African American communities suffered greatly from it. This is an important piece of regional history for our area that students should be encouraged to learn about. This story as written by Kate Hannigan not only illustrates the tragedy but shows the keys themes as the importance of community and courage. The characters in the story not only helped each other in the face of danger but also came together to rebuild their lives and their homes.
Application
After doing a little Google research, a field trip to the Chicago History Museum would be ideal application for this lesson. It can provide more insight to the fire that struck Chicago, how it left families and communities in shambles and the process form building back up and the opportunities it presented during Chicago’s resurrection.
June 29, 2020
Thank you to #NetGalley and First Second Books for allowing me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of History Comics: The Great Chicago Fire: Rising From the Ashes by Kate Hannigan. This book will be released on June 30, 2020. All opinions are my own.
In this installment of History Comics, it's 1871 and a fire is blazing through Chicago. The story follows a two siblings as they struggle to stay ahead of the fire and reunite with their family. It not only discusses theories about how the fire started, but it goes through why the fire was so damaging, and what changes came about in regards to architecture and city planning due to the fire.
I found this to be a fun way to learn more about the Great Chicago Fire. I liked that it discussed more than just the Old Lady Leary theory. I also like that it stated that Mrs. Leary was cleared of fault. There was a big focus on architecture and how the fire changed the way buildings were built. In 1871, Chicago was a wooden city and that had fatal repercussions. I also liked that it discussed the Chicago World's Fair and all of the events and things that occurred there. The Orville brothers play a cameo as do Frederick Douglas, Ida B. Wells, and Buffalo Bill. There is also a focus on acceptance. It examines the way Irish immigrants were treated and then Polish, Greek, Italian, and Jewish immigrants. One of the young characters questions why we can't all get along which is a question still being asked today. Another character makes it a point to state that we're all originally from somewhere else. I think this book could spark great discussions with students and is a fun way to introduce them to the topic of the Great Chicago Fire.
In this installment of History Comics, it's 1871 and a fire is blazing through Chicago. The story follows a two siblings as they struggle to stay ahead of the fire and reunite with their family. It not only discusses theories about how the fire started, but it goes through why the fire was so damaging, and what changes came about in regards to architecture and city planning due to the fire.
I found this to be a fun way to learn more about the Great Chicago Fire. I liked that it discussed more than just the Old Lady Leary theory. I also like that it stated that Mrs. Leary was cleared of fault. There was a big focus on architecture and how the fire changed the way buildings were built. In 1871, Chicago was a wooden city and that had fatal repercussions. I also liked that it discussed the Chicago World's Fair and all of the events and things that occurred there. The Orville brothers play a cameo as do Frederick Douglas, Ida B. Wells, and Buffalo Bill. There is also a focus on acceptance. It examines the way Irish immigrants were treated and then Polish, Greek, Italian, and Jewish immigrants. One of the young characters questions why we can't all get along which is a question still being asked today. Another character makes it a point to state that we're all originally from somewhere else. I think this book could spark great discussions with students and is a fun way to introduce them to the topic of the Great Chicago Fire.
November 24, 2022
3.5 stars.
I've really been enjoying the History Comics series so far, and I'm glad to have had the chance to read The Great Chicago Fire! This feels like the kind of book I would have enjoyed more as a kid than I did as an adult, but it was still an entertaining and educational story for the most part.
The art was really cute and helped liven up the story. The information given was accurate to the best of my knowledge and was genuinely very informative. I feel like I definitely learned from this story, even though I was familiar with parts of it. I do wish that the story had been told by omniscient narrators (like they have usually been in my experience with Science Comics and History Comics) rather than children involved in the events. I probably would have enjoyed this aspect more as a child, but in some ways I feel like we got less information as a result (for example, no one in the story dies, which would have been upsetting to read, but an omniscient narrator could have given us information about some of the people who died in the fires without it being traumatic for readers).
Despite it's flaws it's still an enjoyable and informative history comic that kids will learn from and enjoy. For the most part I would recommend it for the younger end of middle grade, but some of the story/art might be upsetting for more sensitive readers (I would have loved this book as a kid, my sister would have been sobbing for parts of it), so I've left some content warnings below.
Content warning: a horse collapses of exhaustion/smoke inhalation on page, puppies in peril (everyone is okay), people are shown on fire but not dying.
I've really been enjoying the History Comics series so far, and I'm glad to have had the chance to read The Great Chicago Fire! This feels like the kind of book I would have enjoyed more as a kid than I did as an adult, but it was still an entertaining and educational story for the most part.
The art was really cute and helped liven up the story. The information given was accurate to the best of my knowledge and was genuinely very informative. I feel like I definitely learned from this story, even though I was familiar with parts of it. I do wish that the story had been told by omniscient narrators (like they have usually been in my experience with Science Comics and History Comics) rather than children involved in the events. I probably would have enjoyed this aspect more as a child, but in some ways I feel like we got less information as a result (for example, no one in the story dies, which would have been upsetting to read, but an omniscient narrator could have given us information about some of the people who died in the fires without it being traumatic for readers).
Despite it's flaws it's still an enjoyable and informative history comic that kids will learn from and enjoy. For the most part I would recommend it for the younger end of middle grade, but some of the story/art might be upsetting for more sensitive readers (I would have loved this book as a kid, my sister would have been sobbing for parts of it), so I've left some content warnings below.
Content warning: a horse collapses of exhaustion/smoke inhalation on page, puppies in peril (everyone is okay), people are shown on fire but not dying.
June 20, 2020
Readers follow two kids trying to reunite a very young puppy with its mother on the night of the start of the Great Fire in Chicago. Their quest turns into one of trying to find any family and stay ahead of the flames. As they go along, readers get loads of information about the historic even, Chicago of that time period, the anti-Irish immigrant prejudice of the time and how that fed the myth of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, how the fire changed the city of Chicago, and then how the Columbian Exposition of 1892 sought to show the world how Chicago had recovered from the disaster.
This was very informative but still engaging and a quick read. I learned quite a few things from reading this, and I think kids will eagerly gobble it up. It will both entertain and satiate their curiosity about the past. The drawing style is such that both elementary and middle school readers will be drawn to this. If you’re looking for a way to teach kids about the Chicago Fire in a way they will remember, look no further. Highly recommended to reluctant history readers, history buffs, and graphic novel fans.
Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content. Deaths and injuries in the fire are mentioned but not really shown. Property destruction is shown and an animal death.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was very informative but still engaging and a quick read. I learned quite a few things from reading this, and I think kids will eagerly gobble it up. It will both entertain and satiate their curiosity about the past. The drawing style is such that both elementary and middle school readers will be drawn to this. If you’re looking for a way to teach kids about the Chicago Fire in a way they will remember, look no further. Highly recommended to reluctant history readers, history buffs, and graphic novel fans.
Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content. Deaths and injuries in the fire are mentioned but not really shown. Property destruction is shown and an animal death.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2022
A historical fiction graphic novel about the Chicago Fire. The two main characters (white, Irish-catholic children) are fictional, but many background characters are historic figures. Includes an epilogue featuring the Chicago World's Fair, a timeline, map, fast facts, and research resources.
While I enjoyed the book, it focused far more on two kids looking for their parents and caring for a puppy than on the fire. This may be because the historic record is limited enough it can be told in a few pages or it may be an effort to make it more relatable to the kids reading it.
As an adult reading this, I was frustrated that, although buildings were clearly destroyed and loss of life was mentioned, the fire seemed to be more set dressing than an active danger. The kids spent about half the book wandering through burning streets, looking for people they knew, chasing the dog, looking for water, watching people pack their belongings to evacuate, and talking/bickering with one another. The survivors whose words were quoted were shown standing in the street mesmerized by the flames. While I wouldn't want the book to show graphic injuries, it would have been nice to see the humans have at least some consequences from lingering in a burning street, running into a burning building, or being lit on fire. As it was, it gave the impression that they could have survived by simply waiting it out downtown and smothering any flames that landed on their clothes.
While I enjoyed the book, it focused far more on two kids looking for their parents and caring for a puppy than on the fire. This may be because the historic record is limited enough it can be told in a few pages or it may be an effort to make it more relatable to the kids reading it.
As an adult reading this, I was frustrated that, although buildings were clearly destroyed and loss of life was mentioned, the fire seemed to be more set dressing than an active danger. The kids spent about half the book wandering through burning streets, looking for people they knew, chasing the dog, looking for water, watching people pack their belongings to evacuate, and talking/bickering with one another. The survivors whose words were quoted were shown standing in the street mesmerized by the flames. While I wouldn't want the book to show graphic injuries, it would have been nice to see the humans have at least some consequences from lingering in a burning street, running into a burning building, or being lit on fire. As it was, it gave the impression that they could have survived by simply waiting it out downtown and smothering any flames that landed on their clothes.
February 19, 2021
History with a fictional framing device. In this case, Hannigan tells the story of the Great Chicago Fire through the experiences of fictional siblings, and their little dog, too. This works really well for trying to convey what it was like to live through the fire, but it also means a very limited perspective. It's great for showing how scared and tired and filthy and hungry these particular kids are, but it doesn't really allow for a wider view of the fire. This book as a whole also felt strangely sanitized. There's little talk about the many deaths, and the aftermath is glossed over so quickly that the book fast forwards twenty years to the Columbian Exposition to talk about how great that was. Which, yes, it absolutely was, and it's very interesting, but it does neither the Great Fire nor the Columbian Exposition justice to stuff it into the last dozen or so pages of a very short graphic novel. And while most readers won't catch this, it felt really strange to see the much more deadly Peshtigo fire namechecked without any context at all. Most people, and especially most readers of this book, won't know that at least 1500 people died in the Peshtigo fire, but I did, and surely Hannigan does as well. I would have much rather she not mentioned it at all instead of the "also there was a fire there, too" mention it does get.
February 21, 2021
PLEASE NOTE: I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway. The opinions in this review are my own.
This is a good introduction to the history behind the Great Chicago Fire and the importance of the World’s Exposition Fair that was held in Chicago 22 years later. This comic book would be a good addition to an elementary and middle school library. The cartooning and ink is well done and the history is solid. Although there are so many books out there that use the formula of a girl and boy in the midst of the action, having a girl and a boy and a puppy caught up in the catastrophe helps young readers empathize with what is going on. The illustrations help the readers gain an understanding of the impact of the devastation caused by the fire and the triumph of the rebuilding in such a short time. A lot of historical names and sites are mentioned and could be used to conduct further studies by those students interested in the history of this time period or in the history of Chicago. There is also a good bibliography and resource list in the back of the book for students who are interested in learning more about the Great Chicago Fire.
This is a good introduction to the history behind the Great Chicago Fire and the importance of the World’s Exposition Fair that was held in Chicago 22 years later. This comic book would be a good addition to an elementary and middle school library. The cartooning and ink is well done and the history is solid. Although there are so many books out there that use the formula of a girl and boy in the midst of the action, having a girl and a boy and a puppy caught up in the catastrophe helps young readers empathize with what is going on. The illustrations help the readers gain an understanding of the impact of the devastation caused by the fire and the triumph of the rebuilding in such a short time. A lot of historical names and sites are mentioned and could be used to conduct further studies by those students interested in the history of this time period or in the history of Chicago. There is also a good bibliography and resource list in the back of the book for students who are interested in learning more about the Great Chicago Fire.
March 13, 2022
Like science comics, except about history.
On the night of the Great Chicago Fire, a pair of siblings set out to reunite a baby puppy with his mother. When they leave home, they don’t realize that the fire has started, and they are pushed along with a crowd of people. The fire seems to be chasing them across bridges and buildings, though they are finally able to rest by the lake. Eventually they reunite with their parents (and the puppy with his mother).
I get what these are going for, but I found the fictional story of the kids very meh. I did enjoy some of the details about the fire and the world’s fair celebrating Chicago’s return. I also liked the parts explaining how the city changed in response to the fire, like building codes, fire preparedness and sky scraper architecture.
Also likes the take on immigration and Irish discrimination prompting the blame on O’Leary’s cow. I remember going to a museum about the Fire when I was in school that legit had an animatronic cow kicking over a lantern.
I can see why this is a bluestem, and hope it gets kids to read other history and science comics.
On the night of the Great Chicago Fire, a pair of siblings set out to reunite a baby puppy with his mother. When they leave home, they don’t realize that the fire has started, and they are pushed along with a crowd of people. The fire seems to be chasing them across bridges and buildings, though they are finally able to rest by the lake. Eventually they reunite with their parents (and the puppy with his mother).
I get what these are going for, but I found the fictional story of the kids very meh. I did enjoy some of the details about the fire and the world’s fair celebrating Chicago’s return. I also liked the parts explaining how the city changed in response to the fire, like building codes, fire preparedness and sky scraper architecture.
Also likes the take on immigration and Irish discrimination prompting the blame on O’Leary’s cow. I remember going to a museum about the Fire when I was in school that legit had an animatronic cow kicking over a lantern.
I can see why this is a bluestem, and hope it gets kids to read other history and science comics.
October 29, 2020
This was the kind of history comic book that should exist. A tumultuous event in Chicago's history that was not only a great disaster precipitated by environmental concerns (little rain, windy Chicago, etc.) but also created hatred and paranoia around immigrants (specifically Irish Catholics) that was already there.
Focusing on a fictitious brother and sister who are trying to return an un-weaned puppy, they get caught up as the fire begins to rage and are separated from their family. Not only do they want to find them, but they are seeing the destruction everywhere since they're traversing Chicago to try to get to other family members but the fire is changing their direction and leaping over water. The air is horrible, they're starving. Plus it also includes the aftermath, aid, and political and structural problems that Chicago was left with. It's comprehensive without being such. It is visually appealing and those visuals tell much of the trauma.
It's well-rounded and fits the audience.
Focusing on a fictitious brother and sister who are trying to return an un-weaned puppy, they get caught up as the fire begins to rage and are separated from their family. Not only do they want to find them, but they are seeing the destruction everywhere since they're traversing Chicago to try to get to other family members but the fire is changing their direction and leaping over water. The air is horrible, they're starving. Plus it also includes the aftermath, aid, and political and structural problems that Chicago was left with. It's comprehensive without being such. It is visually appealing and those visuals tell much of the trauma.
It's well-rounded and fits the audience.
June 23, 2020
This is another historical fiction graphic novel that I really enjoyed. All in all, the characters are mostly white Europeans- so it lacks diversity in the skin color area- but it does talk about how during the time of the Chicago Fire white Europeans were not all treated equally either- Italian and Irish were especially hated.
The story itself doesn't just focus on the Great Chicago Fire but also looks at how Chicago changed and rose again largely due to the fire- I had no idea the fire spurred so many architectural advancements that were focused on fire-proofing.
The story moved quickly and the inclusion of Lucky the dog added a great "aww" factor to a story that easily could have become overwhelming in it's tragedy- even for kids.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history or likes graphic novels.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself doesn't just focus on the Great Chicago Fire but also looks at how Chicago changed and rose again largely due to the fire- I had no idea the fire spurred so many architectural advancements that were focused on fire-proofing.
The story moved quickly and the inclusion of Lucky the dog added a great "aww" factor to a story that easily could have become overwhelming in it's tragedy- even for kids.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history or likes graphic novels.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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August 13, 2020Having grown up in the Midwest, most people are familiar with one particular tragic historical event. In fact, it's probably covered in numerous classrooms throughout the United States for its significance as a life-changing disaster and for how people responded to it. It lasted for more than thirty agonizing hours.
It happened in Chicago, Illinois in the month of October 1871. History Comics: The Great Chicago Fire: Rising From The Ashes (First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, June 30, 2020) written by Kate Hannigan with art by Alex Graudins is one of the first volumes in a new graphic novel series of narrative nonfiction. You'll have to remind yourself to breathe as you race from one horrific moment to the next with siblings separated from their parents. Facts are deftly woven into the thoughtful narrative and stellar artwork.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
It happened in Chicago, Illinois in the month of October 1871. History Comics: The Great Chicago Fire: Rising From The Ashes (First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, June 30, 2020) written by Kate Hannigan with art by Alex Graudins is one of the first volumes in a new graphic novel series of narrative nonfiction. You'll have to remind yourself to breathe as you race from one horrific moment to the next with siblings separated from their parents. Facts are deftly woven into the thoughtful narrative and stellar artwork.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
June 10, 2020
As a fan of Science Comics (I own 11 of them and share with students), I was thrilled to see that publisher First Second has ventured into history.
History Comics brings life to the terror and resilience brought about by the Great Chicago Fire. As a California resident, I understand the ferocity of swift-moving fire and the disorienting smell of smoke.
Out of the Great Fire came changes in building materials, fire warning systems, architecture, and emergency preparedness. The author also depicts how immigrants in general and the Irish in particular were openly scapegoated for the tragedy.
I will purchase this title, but I was disappointed that the term "firemen" was used instead of "firefighters" and that "mankind" was not "humankind."
Thank you NetGalley and First Second Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
History Comics brings life to the terror and resilience brought about by the Great Chicago Fire. As a California resident, I understand the ferocity of swift-moving fire and the disorienting smell of smoke.
Out of the Great Fire came changes in building materials, fire warning systems, architecture, and emergency preparedness. The author also depicts how immigrants in general and the Irish in particular were openly scapegoated for the tragedy.
I will purchase this title, but I was disappointed that the term "firemen" was used instead of "firefighters" and that "mankind" was not "humankind."
Thank you NetGalley and First Second Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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