Books About Historical Fires

The Best Historical Fires Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Fire Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about historical fires? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871
#11 in Series
What Was the Great Chicago Fire?
Series
The Great Chicago Fire: Rising From the Ashes
Series
Graphic Nov.
Lucy Fights the Flames
#7 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 6 Favorite Books About Historical Fires

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2023

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 (Graphic Novel)

By Lauren Tarshis, Cassie Anderson (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the I Survived: The Graphic Novel series

A young boy named Oscar travels to Chicago with his mother and new stepfather, but their arrival coincides with the Great Chicago Fire, which forces Oscar to navigate the treacherous city and find his missing mother.

160 pages· 4,700 words· Est. 53 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,451 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Oscar Starling's new life in Chicago is upended when a massive fire engulfs the city. As flames threaten everything, Oscar must navigate chaos and danger. Can he and his newfound friends escape the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? This gripping graphic novel blends historical facts with intense storytelling, capturing a young boy's struggle for survival amidst one of history's most infamous disasters.
Cinders
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

Cinders

By Kate Klimo, Ruth Sanderson (Illustrator) · Book #13 in the Horse Diaries series

A horse recounts her life from her idyllic childhood on a farm to her work as a fire horse in Chicago during the Great Fire of 1871

176 pages· 15,095 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 278 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1800s Chicago, Cinders, a horse with a troubled past, arrives at a firehouse, refusing to cooperate. With the help of a determined man, his daughter, and Sparky, a clever dalmatian, Cinders must overcome his fears. As the city faces its most terrifying blaze, can Cinders find the courage to become the hero he's meant to be? Discover the thrilling tale of bravery and friendship in this special crossover edition.
I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2015

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871

By Lauren Tarshis · Book #11 in the I Survived series

Can Oscar escape the inferno consuming Chicago?

112 pages· 12,245 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,390 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Oscar Starling never wanted to be in Chicago, but now he's trapped in a city engulfed by flames. As the fire rages, threatening to consume everything, Oscar must navigate the chaos and find a way to survive. With the city on the brink of destruction, can he escape the inferno, or will he become another victim of this historic disaster? Dive into a gripping tale of survival amidst one of history's most devastating fires, where every moment counts and courage is the only way out.
What Was the Great Chicago Fire?
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

What Was the Great Chicago Fire?

By Janet B. Pascal, Who HQ, Tim Foley (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

A fire breaks out in Chicago in 1871, destroying much of the city and leaving thousands of people homeless.

112 pages· 8,040 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 577 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: On October 8, 1871, a devastating fire erupted in Chicago, fueled by drought and chaos. As flames leapt across the river, firefighters faced insurmountable odds. Was a cow truly to blame? Discover the real story behind this historic disaster and the evolution of firefighting. Can the truth extinguish the myths?
The Great Chicago Fire: Rising From the Ashes
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2020

The Great Chicago Fire: Rising From the Ashes

By Kate Hannigan, Alex Graudins (Illustrator) · History Comics series

A city burns. Siblings race against time to escape and reunite with family. Can they survive the inferno?

128 pages· 4,972 words· Est. 45 min read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 479 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the heart of a blazing Chicago, siblings must navigate chaos and flames to find their family. As the city crumbles, their journey becomes a desperate race against time. Will they escape the inferno's grasp and reunite with their loved ones, or will the fire consume everything they hold dear? Discover the resilience of a city and the courage of two young souls in this gripping tale of survival and hope.
Lucy Fights the Flames
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Lucy Fights the Flames

By Julie Gilbert, Alessia Trunfio (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the Girls Survive series

A factory fire traps Lucy, forcing her to fight for survival.

103 pages· 12,884 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 185 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1911 New York, fourteen-year-old Lucy Morelli dreams of college, but her family's survival depends on her factory job. When a fire breaks out, locked doors trap Lucy and her friend Rosie inside. As flames engulf the building, Lucy must find a way to escape and save Rosie. Will she overcome the deadly inferno, or will her dreams be consumed by the blaze? Discover the harrowing true events of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in this gripping tale of courage and survival.
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