With the popularity of the I Survived series this series is sure to please as well. This book takes place during the Chicago Fire and features Emmi and a set of twins who are trying to survive after all getting separated from their parents. This is good for the 3rd - 4th grade kiddos - not too long, action packed, and historical.

Skip to content
BOOKREVIEWSBYAMY
MENU

EMMI IN THE CITY SALIMA ALIKHAN 4 STARS
DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AMY MAYS | EDIT
Emmi is an immigrant from Germany . She lives in Chicago with her papa. Her mother died when she was longer.the Irish and German immigrants in Chicago have a feud against each other. I loved the story of Chicago fire and how everyone worked together and made new friends. For younger group but mature enough for older adult ,not cutesy. #Emmis city #netgalley

Emmi in the City is a great book about a girl who is struggling to find her place in Chicago, a city full of immigrants and people doing the same. However, when the city is devastated by one of the biggest fires its ever seen, she sees how birthplace doesn't matter when everyone reaches across the divides they've created with one another and helps each other out.

This book is great because it not only teaches a big moment in history for the city of Chicago, but it also contains a lot of other topics to teach kids about, such as immigration during this time and social/emotional stuff about how to help out others and show kindness.

It has wonderful illustrations that capture the emotion and mood of the story, and Emmi is such a relatable, resourceful main character. The writing style is simple and flows nicely while also evoking beautiful imagery and strong emotions. It would be great for younger kids and an especially great addition to any classroom.

This is a great read. The writing is smooth and pulled me into the story. The action keeps things moving forward at a good pace. This will definitely keep a child's attention. I'm excited to read more of the Girls Survive series.

Emmi and her toymaker father have come to the US from Germany, hoping to make a better life for themselves in the 1870s. Emmi still misses home, and has some trouble getting along with Irish children in the neighborhood, particularly twins Seamus and Cara. When a fire starts nearby, Emmi and her father are separated, and Emmi tries to make her way to the river. Along the way, she runs into the twins, and the three work together to escape the flames. They are worried about their families, but also about whether they will survive themselves. Eventually, they make it to safety, where they are reconnected with their parents. Emmi's father has helped a wealthy businessman to safety, so it given the use of his summer cottage and a stone shop back in Chicago when the city is put back together.

Strengths: This is one of those historical events that shows up from time to time, and the book reads very much like a Lauren Tarshis I Survived volume. Lots of good details about daily life at the time, and about how the fire unfolded and Emmi managed to survive it. Glossary of terms at the back.
Weaknesses: This seemed slightly odd. There was a lot of pining for her father, and a lot of discussion of the difficulties of the Irish. Given the dire circumstances of surviving the fire, I'm not sure these topics would have been foremost in Emmi's mind.
What I really think: I'm really interested to see what else Girls Survive! However, since I already have Hilmo's Cinnamon Moon, which covers this event nicely

While this book didn’t give tons of historical details, I liked the excitement and danger elements of the plot. I also enjoyed how the author developed the characters with enemies becoming friends.

This is a wonderful tale about the Great Chicago Fire and one girl's determination to survive. Well told and beautifully illustrated, it successfully explains the impact of the fire but also how each of us are humans first and foremost, regardless of our gender, nationality, race, or religion.

At the end of the story, there is a glossary, explanation of how the fire started, and questions about the book which would be perfect for a lesson.

A thoughtful and thought-provoking book, ideal for middle-grade. Highly recommended.

Growing up in Chicago, everyone seemed to know the history of the Great Chicago Fire. I really enjoyed reading a kid-friendly account written from the perspective of someone surviving the fire. Even though Emmi is fictional, I think this book will draw kids in quickly because of the familiar writing style and the illustrations as an added bonus. This book, and the others in the series, would be perfect for my students who are fans of I Survived, and this series has the added bonus of showcasing the strengths of female main characters. I also enjoyed that there was extra information at the end for students to think about and learn more from. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!