Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 book cover

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871

by Lauren Tarshis

Graphix

Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade

Reading level 3.7 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14

3rd grade English JUVENILE FICTION
1
AR Points
1.1h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →

Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • survival
  • courage
  • resilience
  • friendship
  • resourcefulness
  • family
  • community
  • disaster

About this book

When eleven-year-old Oscar Starling arrives in bustling Chicago, he’s robbed the moment he steps off the train—and his chase after the thief puts him directly in the path of the Great Chicago Fire. As flames race through the city, Oscar teams up with unexpected allies to find safety and reunite with loved ones. Fast-paced action, vivid historical detail, and brave, kid-centered problem-solving keep readers turning pages. Perfect for history fans and reluctant readers who love survival stories.

Setting: Chicago, Illinois during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871. The reading level is AR 3.7, which is typical for 3rd 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 survival, courage, resilience.

How long does it take to read I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 8,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 have an AR quiz?

Yes — I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871?

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 has an AR reading level of 3.7, which places it at a 3rd 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.