Vivid storytelling and authentic dialogue bring American history to life and place readers in the shoes of people who experienced one of the worst fires in American history - the Great Chicago Fire. In October 1871 the Midwest was in the midst of one of the driest periods on record. A center of modern firefighting technology, all of Chicago's resources were put to the test by a fire that almost completely destroyed the city.

Suspenseful, dramatic events unfold in chronological, interwoven stories from the different perspectives of people who experienced the event while it was happening. Narratives intertwine to create a breathless, 'What's Next?' kind of read. Students gain a new perspective on historical figures as they learn about real people struggling to decide how best to act in a given moment.