Fire in the Sky (On My Own History) [Paperback]

Candice Ransom (Author), Shelly O. Haas (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. More than losing at marbles, worrying about his relatives and the Nazis in Germany, or hearing his favorite radio hero Jack Armstrong, nine-year-old Stenny Green is focused on getting to see the Hindenburg when it lands near their home in Lakehurst, New Jersey, in 1937.

--This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4?Nine-year-old, slightly overweight Stenny, teased at school, yearns for the courage of his adventurous radio hero, Jack Armstrong, "The All-American Boy." However, his consuming passion is the Hindenburg, Germany's famous dirigible. To increase his stature at school, the boy lies about a planned tour of the airship when it lands on May 5, 1937 in his hometown of Lakehurst, New Jersey. Against his parents' adamant instructions, Stenny bikes to the Naval Air Station and sneaks into the restricted landing area. His joy turns to horror as he sees the Hindenburg go up in flames, causing passengers and crew to throw themselves from the burning wreckage to the ground below. Sickened, he turns to go home, but overcomes his fear in order to lead disoriented and injured passengers to the safety of the hangar. Stenny, who finds the courage he didn't think he had, admits his deception and the other children view him with a new respect. Ransom has created a believable, sympathetic character and has skillfully placed him in the pre-World War II era. Technical information about the Hindenburg is seamlessly woven into the story's fabric. Numerous watercolor illustrations evoke both the period and the tragedy. Excellent historical fiction for younger readers.?Peggy Morgan, The Library Network, Wayne, NJ
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-5. Nine-year-old Stenny can think of little but the expected arrival of the Hindenburg at the naval air station near his New Jersey home. When he sneaks away from home to watch the landing, he witnesses the Hindenburg disaster and finds himself drawn into the rescue effort. Though a loser at marbles and a liar, Stenny finds that his world turns around when he discovers that he's no coward. Presenting a vivid slice of late 1930s life, complete with radio dramas and concerns about Hitler's Germany, this chapter book succeeds in creating believable characters and an exciting story, as well as a sense of the times. Shelly O. Hass' colorful paintings, shot with light, offer vivid impressions of the action. Sometimes multiple, overlaid images appear, adding to the complexity of the art. This involving historical fiction choice for younger readers would make an exciting read-aloud to a class studying the period. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: First Avenue Editions (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157505079X
• ISBN-13: 978-1575050799
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,935,616 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Candice Ransom (1952-) is the author of more than 100 books for children, including Tractor Day (Walker), Pony Island (Walker), Finding Day's Bottom (Carolrhoda), Seeing Sky-Blue Pink (Carolrhoda), Secret in the Tower (Wizards of the Coast), and Hello, Virginia! (Sterling). Ransom's books are often set in her native state of Virginia, where her family has lived since 1711. Honors and awards include starred reviews, IRA Teacher's Choice, IRA Children's Choice, Pick of the List, New York Public Library Best 100 Books, and Smithsonian Notable Book. Nearly 50 of her books have been translated into twelve languages. She has an MFA in writing from Vermont College and an MA in children's literature from Hollins University and teaches in Hollins University's graduate program in children's literature. Ransom lives with her husband in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fictionalized account of the Hindenburg disaster, July 27, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Diamond Ranch H.S., Pomona, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fire in the Sky (Hardcover)

Young nine-year-old Stenny was used to losing - at everything! His interest in models, however, leads him to become a hero with his family and friends. The author, Candice Ransome, takes on a challenge writing about such a well known disaster but her research and storytelling skills will entice many young boys to pick up what could very possibly be their first historical fiction book.

Shelly O. Haas(illustrator) has hit the mark with her gifted illustrations. I found myself reading faster simply so I could turn the page to enjoy the next illustration. Definitely Caldecott caliber!

Warning Librarians! Have this book close by just in case a 9-11 year old relunctant reader comes in who might enjoy a story of a "less than ordinary boy" who witnesses one of aviation's worse disasters and learns how it feels to become a hero by helping others.

3.0 out of 5 stars Max's Review, February 9, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Fire in the Sky (On My Own History) (Paperback)

In the year 1937, giant aircraft (blimp) could change young Stennys life. Fire in the sky by Candice F. Randson illustrations by Shelly O. Hass

One rainy day in Lakehurst New Jersey, May 1937, a giant aircraft (hindenburg) makes its way from Lakehurst all the way to Germany and back. On other hands Stenny and his sour friend buzzy are trying to get a ticket to see the hindenburg land.

Stennys favorite thing is the hindenburg. He was waiting baciculy the whole story to see it land. This isn't all he faces. See what happens or if gets to see it land or not.

I would not recommend this book to a friend because it is very boring. The existing part is only for two chapters only, but I leave the choice to you.