Fire in the Sky

by Candice Ransom

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.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

71 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Rachel]

A short chapter book with pictures (72 pages) telling the story of the final flight of the Hindenburg, a dirigible or airship that is engine driven. The Hindenburg was a zeppelin invented by Count von Zeppelin.

[Larry Wegman]

A good kids book about courage and the Hindenburg disaster. More information than I previously knew about it.

[Vanet Jensen]

Simple chapter book with some interesting historical information for young readers.

[Miss Amanda]

gr 3-4 70 pgs


1937, Lakehurst, NJ. 9 year old Stenny is obsessed with the Hindenburg. His older brother works at Naval Air Station and Stenny is always hoping he will invite him to tour the Hindenburg when it docks. The day that the Hindenburg is due, Stenny sneaks onto the airfield to watch. When the Hindenburg catches fire, Stenny, along with the crowd, is horrified. When he sees injured passengers and crew, Stenny is determined to be just like his radio show hero, Jack Armstrong, and find some way to help.

Short story with lots of details of daily life at the time leading up to the tragedy. I think this book would appeal to readers who are interested in New Jersey's history or want to know more about the Hindenburg disaster.

[Kellyn]

Stenny Green is an expert on the Hindenburg. He knows everything there is to know about blimps and dirigibles. He sneaks out of his house and watches as the Hindenburg prepares to dock at the naval station by his house. He watches, horrified as it explodes and people begin jumping from the burning ship. Stenny helps with the rescue and sees the pilot of the Hindenburg who is gravely injured.

This is a great adventure story and conveys a wealth of information without reading like a textbook.

[Karan Johnstone]

The author visited Daniel Morgan Middle School when Ryan was there. He met her and got the book signed.