Into the Firestorm: A Novel of San Francisco, 1906
  • Published: 11 March 2008
  • ISBN: 9780440421290
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $16.99

Into the Firestorm: A Novel of San Francisco, 1906

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Deborah Hopkinson is no stranger to our lists. Most recently she penned Sky Boys: Building the Empire State Building, illustrated by James Ransome (Schwartz & Wade, 2006). She is also the author of one of Knopf's bestselling picture books: Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, also illustrated by Ransome. In addition to her picture books, Hopkinson has published a Dear America diary (Hear My Sorrow), award-winning nonfiction (Shutting out the Sky: Life in the Tenements of New York), two historical fiction trilogies (Prairie Skies and The Klondike Kid), and she's currently at work on her next middle-grade novel for Knopf.

This young middle-grade historical fiction depicts the history that's most intriguing to young readers: one kid's (and one dog's!) triumph over a natural disaster. Give this adventure fiction to reluctant readers, and sneak in a bit of history. Perfect fit for middle-grade U.S. History curricula.

“I believe I can just see you on the streets of that bright city.”

Gran’s gone now, but her words live on with Nicholas Dray, almost twelve, as he makes his way from the hot cotton fields to that Queen of Cities: San Francisco. Nick’s on his own for the first time, with nowhere to turn. Then he meets jaunty, talkative Pat Patterson, owner of the most beautiful store–and the friendliest golden dog–in all the city. And for the first time in months, Nick feels safe. Safe in San Francisco.

But the year is 1906, the month is April, and early one morning the walls begin to shake. The floor begins to buckle. And the earth opens up. A devastating earthquake and then raging firestorms ravage the city, and Nick is right in the middle of it all. But for a young boy who’s got few ties and nothing to lose, what’s the right choice: escape to safety or stay–at deadly risk–to help others?

From acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson comes a suspenseful and carefully researched novel of the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire and of one boy’s heroic fight to survive it.
  • Published: 11 March 2008
  • ISBN: 9780440421290
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $16.99
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Praise for Into the Firestorm: A Novel of San Francisco, 1906

Praise for Into the Firestorm:

  • "[A] fast-paced tale....Readers will feel as if they're in the middle of the nonstop action."--School Library Journal
  • "Engrossing."--Booklist
  • "Characterization and action are strong in this memorable tale of a city and a boy who finds his place in the world....Based on eyewitness accounts, the tale brings to life an event young readers will find fascinating."--Kirkus Reviews
  • "...middle graders in search of quick, entertaining historical fiction--ideal for book reports--should take a look."--The Bulletin

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