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Our Lady of the Angels (OLA) School Fire, December 1, 1958

Books, Videos and Museums Relating to
The Our Lady of the Angels Fire


To Sleep With The Angels  
Book published in 1996 covering the entire Our Lady of the Angels fire. Excellent book, extremely well researched and put together. Authors: David Cowan and John Kuenster.

Remembrances of the Angels  
“A 50th Anniversary Retrospective on the Fire No One Can Forget.” Book published in 2008 reflecting on the fire at Our Lady of the Angels at the 50th Anniversary. Author: John Kuenster.

The Fire That Will Not Die  
Book written by Michele McBride, survivor of Room 209, this book tells the story of Michele's escape and recovery from severe burns. Published in 1979.
NOW AVAILABLE AGAIN!

The School's On Fire!  
2018 book by Rebecca C. Jones aimed at young readers. The book tells the story of the OLA fire for youngsters in the same age range as those who experienced it.

Fire Angels  
A historical novel of the OLA fire by Elizabeth Kern. The author tells the actual story of the OLA fire, fictionalizing some of the characters involved so as to explore some of the missing details of the real story.

The Immaculate Deception  
2015 book written by a survivor who lost his sister in the fire, and is critical of those who failed in their responsibility to protect the children of OLA. Author: Robert Chiappetta.

Fire Museum of Greater Chicago  
No city is more closely associated with fires and the fire service than Chicago. The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago features historical information and artifacts from the six-county Chicago region, including an exhibit for the Our Lady of the Angels fire.

Angels Too Soon  
Emmy Award winning 2003 documentary created by WTTW-TV (Chicago PBS affiliate), featuring interviews with firefighters, survivors and family members. Jay Shefsky, Producer.

Hellfire  
Documentary from the History Channel that covers four major fires: The Great Chicago Fire, The New York Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, The Hartford Circus Fire, and The Our Lady of the Angels School Fire. Excellent overview of each. Produced by A&E Television.

Mount Carmel and Queen of Heaven Cemeteries  
Book published in 2006 by Jenny Floro-Khalaf and Cynthia Savaglio, reviewing the history of Mount Carmel and Queen of Heaven Cemeteries. Included are 8 pages with 15 photographs recounting the OLA fire. Many students and nuns who perished at OLA on December 1, 1958 are buried in these cemeteries.

No Disposable Kids  
Book published in 2001 by Larry K. Brendtro, PhD, Arlin Ness, MSQ, LLD, and Martin Mitchell, EdD. The book discusses the authors' work at Starr Commonwealth providing treatment to troubled youth, centering on the boy suspected of setting the OLA fire.

Stunned with Sorrow  
Article written by Suellen Hoy for the Summer 2004 issue of “Chicago History” magazine. The article delves into the backgrounds of several Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), the order of nuns who taught at Our Lady of the Angels School on December 1, 1958, particularly those directly involved in the fire.

Great Chicago Fires  
Book published in 2001 covering the most infamous fires that have shaped the history of Chicago, including the deadly blaze at Our Lady of the Angels School in 1958. Author David Cowan, coauthor of To Sleep With The Angels.