Amazon.com: Customer reviews: I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 (I Survived #11)

Top positive review

Awesome for all Ages!

Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2020

My 9 yo daughter has loved the I Survived series for a few years now. Truth be told, I do too.

The stories are always about a kid (usually 11yo) who lives through historical disasters, and we learn about those disasters through his/her eyes.

The tales are well-written and include facts- as well as historical fiction to hold the audience’s attention.

They are exciting and sad; gripping and profound; tragic and heartwarming. You can always count on the main kid-character surviving...but not always the other people in the story.

Your child and you will certainly come away with the intended morals:
*War is Hell. (D day, Pearl Harbor, Gettysburg, American Revolution, Civil War etc)
*People can be evil: (Hitler, 9/11, maybe in a few years, Trump will be a subject of one of her books)
*The newest inventions aren’t always the best: (Titanic, Hindenburg)
Don’t turn your back on nature: (Tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, fires, floods)
Animals are wild; don’t turn your back on them either:: (sharks, grizzlies)
And molasses is...well. We are reading that one next.

Really can not recommend enough.

4 people found this helpful

Top critical review

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Ashes

Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2018

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, was a vast, 2-day inferno that consumed more than 3 acres of land, killed 300 people and untold animals, and made another 100,000 residents homeless – one-third of the population. In 1870, one year before the conflagration, Chicago was the 5th largest city in the United States. By 1880, a mere 9 years after the fire, it had grown to a half-million souls, and ranked 4th in the nation. Chicago, like the proverbial Phoenix, had risen from its smoldering ashes.

It’s a gripping tale of tragedy and triumph, and the urban legend of an annoyed cow kicking over a lantern to start the blaze adds to the drama. In any hands, the telling of this story should be an easy one. Author Lauren Tarshis, however, takes a fast-paced historical tale of survival and renewal and turns it into a mashed-up romance story. In between the main character’s mother finding her true love – which prompts their move to the great city - Oscar, her son, finds his true love amid the flying embers as the city burns.

The symbolism is cheap and, frankly, disturbing and distracting. The 3rd graders I read this to were confused by this plot contrivances, which also features thieving street urchins, gunslingers and outlaws, and domestic violence. She manages to bury the most compelling character of the story - the fire - in a pile of soot. Our first experience with the “I Survived” series was disappointing. I highly recommend Jim Murphy’s Newberry Honor book, "The Great Fire,” instead.

6 people found this helpful

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From the United States

Toni

Great story

Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2021

Verified Purchase

I bought this for my 9 year old niece. Not only was she intrigued by the story, but so was I as she read to me out loud.

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davis.g105

Fun

Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2020

Verified Purchase

This is a great book to help young readers become interested in reading, and teaching them some historical facts along the way. My son loves reading and listening to this book.

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Season Sagendorf

Great book for kids

Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2022

Verified Purchase

My daughter can't stop reading all of the "I survived" books. It's nice to see her head in a book instead of phone.

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Bonnie A.

my son loves these series

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2021

Verified Purchase

My son hates reading, but will only read the I survived series. He can't put them down. I order them all off Amazon two at a time when ever he finishes one to keep him engaged. He enjoys picking them out and he talks about them as he reads them, a great way to get him some history in as well.

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Isabella E. Bertelli

Another Great I Survived Book

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2015

Verified Purchase

As usual, Lauren Tarshis presents historical fiction in an exciting, detailed, and dramatic way, yet very age appropriate to the targeted audience. The whole series is great, and this 11th in a series of 12 so far is no exception. These books make perfect additions to any home, class, or club library.

4 people found this helpful

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K. Pillman

My 10yr old son LOVED this book (which took him two nights to read) ...

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2015

Verified Purchase

We had the privilege of this author visiting our school. My 10yr old son LOVED this book (which took him two nights to read) and he couldn't wait to tell me all about it. We are planning on ordering ALL her 'I Survived' series for him.

9 people found this helpful

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J. M. Morrison

Best book series EVER

Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2016

Verified Purchase

My 9 year old grandson didn't like to read until he started reading this book series. I only wish the author would write more!! Also, I order two of the same books by accident. I did the refund, and i didn't need to return the duplicate book.

2 people found this helpful

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