Children of the fire
by Harriette Robinet
Atheneum 1991
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and prejudice
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- survival
- resilience
- community
- racism and prejudice
- family
- hope
- social justice
About this book
Set during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, this historical novel follows a brave young Black girl as she navigates the chaos of a city in flames. Separated from safety, she must rely on quick thinking, courage, and the kindness of strangers to survive and reunite with loved ones. Vivid details bring the disaster to life while exploring how communities pull together in hard times. It’s a compelling read for middle-grade readers who enjoy survival stories and American history.
Setting: Chicago during the Great Fire of 1871
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Children of the fire right for my child?
Yes — Children of the fire is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, survival, resilience.
How long does it take to read Children of the fire?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Children of the fire takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Children of the fire have an AR quiz?
Yes — Children of the fire has an AR quiz available, worth 4 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Children of the fire?
Children of the fire has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.