Worlds Afire

Worlds Afire is a compelling verse novel that vividly recounts the tragic Hartford circus fire of July 6, 1944. Through a collection of powerful eyewitness poems, author Paul B. Janeczko brings to life the anticipation, horror, and devastating aftermath of the fire that claimed nearly 170 lives, predominantly women and children. The book explores themes of community, resilience, and the profound impact of historical tragedy. While presented in poetry, the content is intense and deals directly with death and disaster, making it most suitable for mature late elementary to middle school readers (ages 10-14) who are ready for serious historical topics.

We laid nine hundred feet of hose<p>then another hundred and a half.</p><p>About a ton of hose.</p><p>But we all knew</p><p>we were too late.</p><p>There was no tent</p><p>just folding chairs</p><p>and bleachers blazing</p><p>like nobody's business.</p><p>Too hot to get close.</p><p>See, they dip</p><p>their chairs in paint</p><p>and hang them up to dry,</p><p>so as the years pass</p><p>they're adding another layer of paint</p><p>eager to burn.</p><p>But that's not half the problem</p><p>of the tent itself.</p><p>To keep the rain out</p><p>they coat the canvas</p><p>with paraffin mixed with gasoline,</p><p>laid on good and thick with stiff brooms.</p><p>Oh, that waterproofs it all right-</p><p>been doing it that way for years-</p><p>but what does it give you?</p><p>One huge candle</p><p>just waiting for a light.</p><p class=null1>From the Hardcover edition.</p>