The School's on Fire!: A True Story of Bravery, Tragedy, and Determination

Gr 5–8—Jones conveys the circumstances and the aftermath of the December 1958 fire at Our Lady of the Angels school in Chicago, in which 92 students and three teachers were killed and 100 more were injured, with verve and sensitivity. The book does an excellent job of describing how the fire started and spread from room to room without letting the narrative stall over details. Quotes and memories from survivors are woven throughout the book and help to personalize the tragedy and to show the significant impact the tragedy had on their futures. The author gives significant attention to the legacy of the fire and its effect on fire codes and school safety procedures going forward. Photographs and drawings interspersed throughout deepen the impact of the narrative by clarifying details and giving an intimate view of those whose lives were forever changed. Extensive suggestions for further reading, notes on sources, and a list of interview subjects are included.