Description
Finn and his best friend, Rabbit, love the forest and worry about the area, as there have been many wildfires nearby. There is even a small fire in the local park, but the firefighters put it out before much damage is done. Finn’s dad, out of work for a while, gets a job on a nearby construction site. The kids have a trail camera, and they capture images that make them think the construction machines may have started a fire. A huge wildfire burns through the town, and everyone needs to evacuate. When people come back, it is the kids who make people in the town really examine how the construction project impacts their town.
Author Chris Baron has written a timely novel in verse for middle graders that will engage young readers and keep them turning pages all the way through. The story is most compelling, and the writing is excellent. Although written in free verse, it is not particularly lyrical, but all that white space will make reluctant readers feel the story is very accessible. The characters are completely believable and will connect with young readers. This is an important book that kids are sure to love.
