Worlds Afire

By Paul B. Janeczko

Book Overview

"Riveting. . . . A memorable historical fiction selection, similar in intensity to Karen Hesse's Out of the Dust and Witness." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

One summer afternoon in 1944, hundreds of circus lovers crowded under the big top in Hartford, waiting for the show to begin. Minutes later, a fire broke out and spread through the tent, claiming the lives of 167 souls and injuring some 500 more. Paul B. Janeczko recalls that tragic event by bringing to life some unforgettable voices -- from circus performers to seasoned fans, from firefighters to ushers. Using the lyrical power of language to render tragedy with a human face, this spare, startling book in verse leaves an emotional impact young readers will not soon forget.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 076363400X
• ISBN13: 9780763634001
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Worlds Afire

The book Worlds Afire is the best drama book I have ever read but since I'm only 13 I'm sure that there is a lot more better drama books out there I just haven't heard of yet. This book is about "a circus gone bad" as I would say. It is also a true story that is going to haunt my dreams for the rest of my life. That's how good of a picture the book draws for you as you read. As your reading you can just see all the people dying in the torturous flames of the Hartford fire. The book takes place during the circus act of the tigers. The worst thing about the fire is that there is only one escape for all those people to get out of and barely half of them did. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone shape, color or size.