Best Selling Books by Ellen V. Libretto

Describes the 1904 fire that destroyed the General Slocum and killed more than one thousand people, examining the causes, reactions of passengers, crew, and spectators, and aftermath of the disaster.

Lists over 500 books designed for students who read below their grade level.

Throughout history, major fires have wreaked havoc on civilization. This series focuses on six major fires, from the inferno that consumed most of London in 1666 to the fires that scorched the American West between 2000 and 2002. Every book captures the horror of the blaze, bringing each tragedy to life through engaging text; eyewitness accounts including a recent interview with the last survivor of the General Slocum Fire; and photos. The authors investigate the cause of each fire, explaining the natural course of forest fires or debunking the myth of Mrs. O''Leary''s cow and the Great Chicago Fire. Each book also delves into the aftermath of the blaze and the effect the tragic event had on society, from increased building regulations following the Great Chicago Fire to exposing the sweatshop industry following the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. A compelling and well written series.