• Age: 8 to 13
• Grade: 3 to 8
• Reading age: 8 to 13

The Bains family are amazed at what they find when they take up their homestead in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba: flash fires that appear suddenly and rage across the open plain, tensions between English settlers and their Métis neighbours that threaten to become just as violent.
At the same time they're filled with hope. Canada in the 1870s is suffering a terrible Depression, and life at their home in Ottawa had become unbearable. The promise of free land in the West beckoned them like an incredible dream. But the realities of building a farm and a home out of nothing are harsh: they have to learn from scratch how to plough, plant, build a house. And the human hatreds that grow in the prairie soil threaten to overcome them all.
Set against the grim realities of homesteading in the Canadian West, Prairie Fire is the story of one family who struggle to adapt to harsh new circumstances. The book is illustrated with a section of photos chronicling this exciting, difficult period in the country's history.
This is the seventh book in the Bains series of historical novels, well-researched, action-filled narratives following the travels of one family across Canada--from Newfoundland to Alberta-- in search of a better life during the hard times of the 1870s.

Bill Freeman is an award-winning author who has written historical fiction for young adults, film scripts, documentaries, theatrical plays, educational videos, and non-fiction books. He specializes in writing about Canada and the Canadian experience.

In the 1960s and '70s Bill lived, worked, and studied in Hamilton. The play Glory Days is part of his exploration of the life of the city and its fascinating history. Bill is perhaps best known as the author of novels for young adults set in Canada in the latter part of the nineteenth century called the Bains Series. He is also well known for his books of popular history. His most recent work, Hamilton: A Peopleâ??s History, surveys the cityâ??s often turbulent history. Many of his books have received high critical acclaim and a number of awards. In recent years Bill has worked in the film industry as a writer and historical consultant. He has been on the creative team of many film projects as writer, narrator, and consultant. The projects include a science series for high school students and Mighty Machines II, a made-for-television project for preschool children. Bill Freeman lives on Toronto Island with his partner Paulette.

Bill Freeman's profile page

• Winner, Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection

"(It) brings to life the history and passion of the Métis people and thier clashes with the colonial government of the day. It's full of facts and details about the challenges of pioneer living and is complete with historical photos from that time."

Chronicle Herald

"What makes the story a little different from most sagas of pioneer life, however, is its exploration of the conflict between the incoming settlers from Ontario and the Metis families who have lived on this land for years. The book does detail an important period in Manitoba history, one to which many local families will relate. The scenes of confrontation between a few bigoted white settlers and their Metis neighbours are particularly well-done."

Winnipeg Free Press

"Set in Portage la Prairie circa 1870, when three kids--Jamie, Meg and Kate--arrive with their mother to cliam a homestead. Plenty of hardships, adventure and local history, with the new settlers coming into conflict with Metis landholders."

Winnipeg Sun

"Teacher librarians should introduce this novel to independent readers who enjoy history."

Resource Links

"Canadian history can be compelling, and there is no better proof of this than Bill Freeman's Prairie Fire! an exciting start to a new series about a family of Prairie homsteaders in 1876.... illustrations and photos of Metis and settler life at the end of the book are instant visual aids for kids who can't picture what a house made from prairie sod would look like. Freeman is also good at providing narrative from every family member."

Halifax Daily News

"Prairie Fire is a gripping story of a pioneer family... it is no surprise that Freeman has won several awards for his historical fiction. His work is meticulously researched and chock-full of historical details."

Lethbridge Herald