The year 2004 will mark the centennial anniversary of the worst maritime disaster to ever occur within the shores of the United States. In barely thirty minutes, more than 1,000 men, women, and children were killed aboard the General Slocum, most of whom were from the same poor neighborhood of immigrants from New York's Lower East Side. This fascinating book brings young readers into the lives of these immigrants, tracing the course of the fire as it blazed through the ship. A recent interview with the last survivor of the fire, plus quotes from eyewitnesses and survivors at the time, and those who aided in the rescue, bring this account to life.