Children of the Fire Summary
Harriette Gillem Robinet

Children of the Fire Summary

Published in 1991, Children of the Fire takes place in early October of 1871 during the devastating fire that destroyed most of Chicago, Illinois. An African-American child, Hallelujah, lives through the great Chicago fire with courage and resourcefulness.

Robinet portrays Hallelujah as an independent girl that desires adventure. Hallelujah succeeds in getting permission from her adoptive parents to see the next city fire, which turns out to be the biggest one in history. During the fire, Hallelujah meets not only wealthy and poor people, but people of many cultures and color, growing deeply from her experience.

(read more from the Short Guide)