Tragedy on the Chicago River: The Sinking of the Eastland for Kids

On a warm July morning in 1915, families dressed in their Sunday best boarded a large passenger ship docked along the Chicago River. There was excitement in the air-music, laughter, and plans for a fun company picnic across the lake. But within minutes, everything changed. The ship rolled onto its side while still tied to the dock, trapping hundreds of people inside. Over 800 men, women, and children lost their lives that day.
Most had never even left the shore. This book tells the story of one of America's deadliest maritime disasters in a way that is clear, respectful, and written especially for curious kids ages 7 to 12. Through real-life moments, thoughtful questions, and a gentle tone, young readers will explore how a day of celebration turned into a national tragedy-and how firefighters, police officers, and everyday people raced to help.
They'll also learn how Chicago came together to mourn, investigate what went wrong, and find ways to honor those who were lost. This is a story about bravery, mistakes, kindness, and memory. It helps kids think about big emotions-like fear, sadness, and hope-while learning from a moment in history that still echoes today.