From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-Each of the young characters in this action-based series experiences a natural disaster that requires courage and decisiveness. In Fire, readers are eyewitness to the devastating Chicago fire of 1871 through the perspectives of Nate Cooper, an orphan who lives with his aunt and helps out at her boardinghouse, and Julie Flynn, daughter of a wealthy merchant. Their paths cross as each child becomes caught up in the drama. The plot moves quickly describing both the heroic and evil events that arise from such a tragedy. Julie is portrayed as privileged, pampered, and unable to take care of herself without her father or Nate to help her. Her character and the pejorative use of a "Negro" character are disappointing, even given the historical context. The last hours of the Titanic are seen through the eyes of Gavin Reilly, who is working his way from Ireland to America as galley help aboard the ocean liner, and Karolina Green, who is returning to America with her aunt and mourning the death of her parents in England. Details that show the enormity of the ship and the elaborate lifestyle of its first-class passengers are woven throughout the story. The fast-paced plot and innocent friendship between the young characters will interest fans of the movie. It is important to note that this story has a much happier ending.Joan Zaleski, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NYCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
The Titanic -- April 14, 1912 Gavin Reilly is working in the Titanic's galley to earn his passage from Ireland to America. He can't wait to join his brother in New York. He has big dreams and bigger ambitions. Karolina Green is returning home to the States with her Aunt Rose after the death of her parents in England. She wants, more than anything, to mend her shattered life in New York. On a calm, clear April night their hopes and dreams turn into a nightmare -- like those of hundreds of other passengers on the Titanic. Rich and poor, famous and unknown, the people aboard the Titanic find themselves at the mercy of a cold seathat even the greatest ship ever built can't conquer. Few will live to remember the disaster the world still can't forget -- will Gavin and Karolina be among the survivors?

Card catalog description
During the final hours aboard the Titanic on her ill-fated voyage in 1912, Gavin and Karolina attempt to help others and by so doing learn something about themselves.

ANNOTATION

During the final hours aboard the Titanic on her ill-fated voyage in 1912, Gavin and Karolina attempt to help others and by so doing learn something about themselves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Titanic -- April 14, 1912
Gavin Reilly is working in the Titanic's galley to earn his passage from Ireland to America. He can't wait to join his brother in New York. He has big dreams and bigger ambitions. Karolina Green is returning home to the States with her Aunt Rose after the death of her parents in England. She wants, more than anything, to mend her shattered life in New York.

On a calm, clear April night their hopes and dreams turn into a nightmare -- like those of hundreds of other passengers on the Titanic. Rich and poor, famous and unknown, the people aboard the Titanic find themselves at the mercy of a cold seathat even the greatest ship ever built can't conquer. Few will live to remember the disaster the world still can't forget -- will Gavin and Karolina be among the survivors?

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal