Fire Disasters

Children's Literature

The popularity of "disaster" books is growing. Many children, like many adults, enjoy shuddering with the vicarious thrill of reading about tragedies that befall others. But books of this genre can provide more than goosebumps; as this book shows, they can present history in a you-were-there drama. Three fires are described—the fire of London (1666), the Chicago fire (1871) and the bushfires in Hobart, Tasmania (1967). A vivid description of each fire is accompanied by a simple map of each city and a one-page, step-by-step account that explains the fire as it spread. The format includes insets with quotes and pertinent facts. At the end, the authors discuss house fires and how they can be prevented. There is a list of the world's worst fires, a glossary and an index. Several photographs enhance the text. The book might cause some goosebumps, but no nightmares. It is part of "World's Worst" series. 2000, Heinemann Library, $22.79. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Ellen R. Butts