'Marianne Brandis provides evidence of her usual meticulous research in re-creating the lives of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary historical events. There is plenty of substantiating detail about houses, food, clothing, uniforms, the battle itself, and daily activities. Fire Ship is a worthy addition to the growing number of books for young readers about the War of 1812. Especially subtly done is Brandis' linking of the cries of the recurring loon to the course of action, the association of the great ship and natural phenomena, and the suggestion of the war in microcosm in the tribulations of Dan's youngest brother, George, at the hands of the Fitzgeralds.' Canadian Children's Literature
