The Burning Season is an emotionally charged, free verse, middle grade novel. The words are spare, the text short, making it an ideal high-low book that will be accessible to all readers. And while it may be an easy read, it is an impactful one with plenty of emotional weight and heart-pounding action.
The Burning Season is about Opal Gloria Halloway, who wishes she didn’t have to follow in her grandmother and mother’s footsteps and become a fire lookout on Wolf Mountain in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness. The three live in a single room at the top of a fire tower and are responsible for spotting smoke. Problem is, since her father died in a fire before she was born, the twelve-year-old is and has always been deathly afraid of fire.
Opal wishes she could live in Silver City, the town that's closest to where she lives. There, she could attend seventh grade, and join FFA and other after school activities with kids her own age. Out at the lookout, she feels isolated and alone.
One day, when her Mom had made the long trek to town for supplies and her Gran is off somewhere, Opal spots a spiral of smoke moving up the mountainside. She’ll have to gather her courage as she heads into the woods, beyond Wolf Ridge’s old blackened burn scar, to face down a fire on her own. Can she be brave enough when it really counts?
This is a beautiful book, and so current now, when much of the western half of the United States is facing threats from wildfires. I highly recommend it.
This sounds a wonderful story! And what a terrifying - and crucial - job! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize Caroline Rose wrote a new book. This sounds like another good one. I'm glad you enjoyed it. And it is really timely.
ReplyDeleteYay. It's out! I've got my eyes on this one, since Caroline Rose does such a good job usually.
ReplyDeleteSo much to like about this book! The setting and story line have me anxious to give it read. Thanks for the recommendation and Happy MMGM!
ReplyDeleteExcellent timing on this one, considering we're approaching wildfire season. We were fortunate to have Caroline at our Humboldt County Children's Author Festival last year. She was terrific.
ReplyDeleteAnother ecological adventure review today. It certainly is timely and you got my attention! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've heard amazing things about this one. Can't wait to read it!!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I've put this on my TBR---I've always kind of wanted to be a fire lookout :)
ReplyDeletel'm almost finished with this book. The writing is lovely and it is an exciting story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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