Flames Over the River

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In the fall of 1871, a roaring fire swept through the city of Chicago, turning homes, schools, and shops into ashes in just three days. But what really caused the blaze? How did it spread so quickly? And what happened to the thousands of people who lost everything?

This gripping nonfiction book for kids ages 7 to 12 takes readers deep into one of the most unforgettable disasters in American history. With clear explanations and a storytelling style that brings the past to life, young readers will explore how the fire started, how the city was built almost entirely of wood, and why strong winds and a dry summer made the perfect conditions for catastrophe.

But the fire is only part of the story. What came after-heroic rescues, community rebuilding, new fire safety laws, and bold new architecture-shows the strength and spirit of a city determined to rise again.

Packed with real facts, strange-but-true stories, and lessons that still matter today, this is more than just a tale of destruction. It's a powerful look at how disaster can lead to change, how kindness shines through chaos, and how a city made of wood became a symbol of steel.