- ALA Robert F. Sibert Honor Book for Outstanding Nonfiction
- The Jefferson Cup Award
- An ALA Notable Book
- An ALA Best Books for Young People
- Hornbook Fanfare Book
- A SLJ Best Book
- A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
- A CBC/NCSS Notable Book
“Skillfully done: humorous, jaw-dropping, thought-provoking and chilling.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred)
“A fascinating account. The text is exciting without being melodramatic. The narrative is a seamless blend of history and adventure.”
—School Library Journal (starred)
“Like [The Great Fire] this is an example of stellar nonfiction.”
—Booklist (starred)
“With a confident tone, Murphy brings listeners back in time to March 12, 1888 and provide[s] a captivating blend of gravity, immediacy and drama… [A] gripping history lesson.”
—Publisher’s Weekly