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jbkep's review against another edition
4.0
Firstly, big thanks to Goodreads First Reads for me winning this book. I actually entered to win this book for my kids but I got first dibs.
This was history very well done for children. As an historian, I liked the abundance of facts and the inclusion of actual quotes from newspapers and such. As a parent, I have to say that the graphic novel format is appealing to children and makes it an easier read. The storyline and main characters aren't terribly complicated, but are definitely good enough for drawing the story along and allow room for pointing things out.
I definitely suggest this for getting kids to enjoy some history for a change, and it's a good read for adults, too, who don't know much about the fire.
This was history very well done for children. As an historian, I liked the abundance of facts and the inclusion of actual quotes from newspapers and such. As a parent, I have to say that the graphic novel format is appealing to children and makes it an easier read. The storyline and main characters aren't terribly complicated, but are definitely good enough for drawing the story along and allow room for pointing things out.
I definitely suggest this for getting kids to enjoy some history for a change, and it's a good read for adults, too, who don't know much about the fire.
jbkep's review
4.0
Firstly, big thanks to Goodreads First Reads for me winning this book. I actually entered to win this book for my kids but I got first dibs.
This was history very well done for children. As an historian, I liked the abundance of facts and the inclusion of actual quotes from newspapers and such. As a parent, I have to say that the graphic novel format is appealing to children and makes it an easier read. The storyline and main characters aren't terribly complicated, but are definitely good enough for drawing the story along and allow room for pointing things out.
I definitely suggest this for getting kids to enjoy some history for a change, and it's a good read for adults, too, who don't know much about the fire.
This was history very well done for children. As an historian, I liked the abundance of facts and the inclusion of actual quotes from newspapers and such. As a parent, I have to say that the graphic novel format is appealing to children and makes it an easier read. The storyline and main characters aren't terribly complicated, but are definitely good enough for drawing the story along and allow room for pointing things out.
I definitely suggest this for getting kids to enjoy some history for a change, and it's a good read for adults, too, who don't know much about the fire.
thepagelady's review
3.0
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?
In History Comics: The Great Chicago Fire, writer Kate Hannigan and illustrator Alex Graudins tell the true story of how a city rose up from one of the worst catastrophes in American history, and how this disaster forever changed how homes, buildings, and communities are constructed.
Thank you, Goodreads and First Second Books for a chance to read The Great Chicago Fire Rising From the Ashes!
I read this book with my son because when it came to the house, he opened it and saw the inside of the book and thought it as for him. So, we ended up reading it together. It was an ok book. When I first read the title of the book, I thought it was going to be a book based on facts of the actual events. But in a twist the author adds in some of the myths that have come along with the Chicago fire. I didn’t really know much about the event in the first place. Except what everyone else has probably be told. But my son liked the book and I enjoyed the time spent with him and it truly wasn’t a bad book. I just think its geared towards the youngsters. Happy reading everyone!!
In History Comics: The Great Chicago Fire, writer Kate Hannigan and illustrator Alex Graudins tell the true story of how a city rose up from one of the worst catastrophes in American history, and how this disaster forever changed how homes, buildings, and communities are constructed.
Thank you, Goodreads and First Second Books for a chance to read The Great Chicago Fire Rising From the Ashes!
I read this book with my son because when it came to the house, he opened it and saw the inside of the book and thought it as for him. So, we ended up reading it together. It was an ok book. When I first read the title of the book, I thought it was going to be a book based on facts of the actual events. But in a twist the author adds in some of the myths that have come along with the Chicago fire. I didn’t really know much about the event in the first place. Except what everyone else has probably be told. But my son liked the book and I enjoyed the time spent with him and it truly wasn’t a bad book. I just think its geared towards the youngsters. Happy reading everyone!!
mfumarolo's review
3.0
My students are obsessed with Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, so I'm always interested in new graphic novels exploring history. This is an additional purchase for libraries like mine where there is a demand. Considering the relatively short length of the book, I was a little confused in the opening pages about who were the parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. (For example, a sister knew her brother was afraid of heights, but how was he not aware that she couldn't swim?) All in all, especially given that I live and work in the Chicago suburbs, I'll be buying this for my library's collection because students will absolutely be able to make connections to the event and parts of the city that still exist today.
rdyourbookcase's review
4.0
I liked the art style, and the storytelling was similar to "I Survived" - children get separated from their parents during a life-threatening, major historical event. Pretty good, and I liked the art style in this book more than I did the I Survived graphic novels.
waterviolite's review
4.0
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.
lostinausten's review
4.0
A graphic novel that tells the true story of the Great Chicago Fire.
I love any book that presents history in an engaging way for kids. I especially loved how it shed light on how much hate O'Leary got for being an immigrant and how she "allegedly" caused the fire. The hate that immigrants got because of this event is still so accurate and timely. This book really breaks down the timeline of the fire and how it was able to keep spreading. No one thought it could jump over each neighborhood and river, but it did. I also loved how the book discusses the development of the "new" Chicago architecture via...Jenney, Burnham, Sullivan etc.
This is such a great, all encompassing book about Chicago and how it rose from its ashes to become what it is today.
I love any book that presents history in an engaging way for kids. I especially loved how it shed light on how much hate O'Leary got for being an immigrant and how she "allegedly" caused the fire. The hate that immigrants got because of this event is still so accurate and timely. This book really breaks down the timeline of the fire and how it was able to keep spreading. No one thought it could jump over each neighborhood and river, but it did. I also loved how the book discusses the development of the "new" Chicago architecture via...Jenney, Burnham, Sullivan etc.
This is such a great, all encompassing book about Chicago and how it rose from its ashes to become what it is today.