These books—which share stories of real and fictional people and animals who have endured wildfires—can provide information and comfort to children and teens.
These books—which share stories of real and fictional people and animals who have endured wildfires—can provide information and comfort to children and teens.
Headstrong Hallie!: The Story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the First Female “Fire Guard” by Aimee Bissonette. illus. by David Hohn. Sleeping Bear. ISBN 9781534110618.
Gr 1-5–Hallie Morse Daggett, a white woman who grew up near California’s Siskiyou Mountains in the early 20th century, was acutely aware of the danger that wildfires posed to her family and her beloved wilderness. After finishing school, Daggett was determined to work for the U.S. Forest Service, but faced disdain, dismissal, and a pile of rejection letters because of her gender. VERDICT A picture book biography with luminous illustrations that are just as powerful as the empowering story of a young woman who refused to take “no” for an answer. Recommended.
We Will Live in This Forest Again by Gianna Marino. illus. by author. Holiday House. ISBN 9780823446995.
PreS-Gr 2–Animals enjoy the crunchy leaves of autumn in the forest they have always known, until the sparks, smoke, and flames of a wildfire force them to flee. The story follows a band of animals—a deer, coyote, bear, crow, and mountain lion—as they realize the danger and race to outrun the wildfire. VERDICT Marino has created a tribute to nature’s reaction to and recovery from wildfires. A first purchase for all libraries.
The Fox and the Forest Fire by Danny Popovici. Chronicle. ISBN 9781797202822.
PreS-Gr 2–A boy moves with his mother from the city to the forest. Conflict arises when a forest fire encroaches on the boy’s newfound joy. Scenes of the family fleeing are mirrored by the forest animals’ escape from danger. The frightening concept of a devastating fire is approached with sensitivity. VERDICT A timely topic is approached effectively for a young audience. A recommended purchase.
Wombat Underground: A Wildfire Survival Story by Sarah L. Thomson. illus. by Charles Santoso. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316707060.
Gr 1–3–Visually arresting illustrations of the Australian wilderness capture the story of a wombat and four other animals as they face the predicament of a wildfire in their habitat. VERDICT Bringing the impact of wildfires to a young audience through this angle, this title does an admirable job of capturing realistic details along with a “hero saves the day” story. Recommended.
Wildfire Rescue: A Branches Book by Rekha S Rajan. illus. by Courtney Lovett. Scholastic. ISBN 9781338828849.
Gr 1-3–In this new series, “Disaster Squad” siblings Jaden and Leela travel with their parents in an RV through several disaster areas, mainly focusing on wildfires in Northern California. While helping, the two kids get essential advice from their parents and the fire chief about preventing wildfires and staying as safe as possible during one. VERDICT A good addition about natural disasters for chapter book collections.
Bear in the Family by Eric Walter. illus. by Olga Barinova. ISBN 9781459832978.
Gr 2-4–A profound, realistic story of a multiracial family returning to their rural home after a wildfire. Jasmin and Hunter, along with their parents and dog Brody, cannot wait to get home and hope it has not burned down. This touching story provides much-needed insight into the effects of wildfires on humans and animals alike. VERDICT This brilliantly written tale is a lovely introduction to the important topics of wildfires and animal sanctuaries for young readers. Great for animal lovers and children curious about nature.
Wildfire by Breena Bard. illus. by author. Little, Brown Ink. ISBN 9780316277686.
Gr 3-8–Protagonist Julianna and her family live in the Oregon woods and are forced to relocate after a wildfire in the area. The action follows them as they settle into a new house and school. VERDICT A good match for readers who enjoy survival and natural disaster stories, environmental action, or realistic fiction that features families overcoming adversity.
Two Degrees by Alan Gratz. Scholastic. ISBN 9781338735673.
Gr 4-7–A fictional story about climate change geared for the middle grade audience. In Nevada, Japanese American Akira Kristiansen witnesses giant sequoias catching fire, which seems impossible. She is separated from her family as she struggles to survive the extraordinary wildfire. VERDICT Gratz urges readers to see that what is happening around them isn’t in isolation, but affects everyone around the world. Fans of Gratz and the “I Survived” series will welcome this action-packed title.
Out of the Fires: A Journal of Resilience and Recovery After Disaster by Carrie Lara. Illus. by Colleen Larmour. Magination Pr. ISBN 9781433840692.
Gr 3–8–This first-person fictional narrative is presented in the form of a journal written by a young person who experiences a wildfire climate event. Emphasizing multiple ways of coping, communicating, and recovering, this book could be a useful tool for teachers or families guiding conversations about resilience and climate mental health.
When Forests Burn: The Story of Wildfire in America by Albert Marrin. Knopf. ISBN 9780593121733.
Gr 6 Up–With a focus on the history of forest fires in the United States, from the Ice Age to the present, Marrin illustrates how the entanglements of people and nature impact everyone, for better or for worse. VERDICT An in-depth look that is thought-provoking and comprehensive on a complex and timely topic.
[Read: How to Help Those Impacted by California Wildfires]
Evacuation Order by Jane B. Mason & Sarah Hines Stephens. Scholastic. ISBN 9781338629347.
Gr 4-7–Separated from their families, Sam Durand, along with his best friend Marco Nuñez and dog Goodboy, navigate the California streets when a wildfire threatens their small town of Santa Bonita. VERDICT Fans of survival stories like Alan Gratz's books and the “I Survived” series may appreciate this action-packed quick read despite lackluster characterization.
Wildfire: When Trees Explode by Rodman Philbrick. Scholastic/Blue Sky. ISBN 9781338266900.
Gr 5-7–As Camp Wabanaski evacuates campers from threatening forest fires, Sam Castine separates from his group to run back for his cell phone. Within minutes, the growing smoke and fire separate him from the evacuation bus, and he is forced to run in the opposite direction. VERDICT While the broad plot shines a light on the growing national issue of wildfires and our role in their prevention, Philbrick crafts a story that leaves readers open to discussion on many topics. A must-have for all upper elementary/middle grade libraries.
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J Pla. HarperCollins/Quill Tree. ISBN 9780063268791.
Gr 4-6–Maudie McGinn has been waiting for summer all year, from the minute she had to leave her father in California last summer and go back to live with her mother and stepfather in Texas. However, just as Maudie and her dad are getting settled in his forest cabin in Northern California, disaster strikes in the form of a sudden massive wildfire that causes them to flee without any of their possessions. VERDICT Themes of autism, child abuse, and the impact of wildfires combine for a unique and memorable story that will appeal to middle grade readers open to a creative format and heavier themes.
Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316493833.
Gr 4-8–Plagued by memories of the fire that killed her parents years ago, Addy always maps her city surroundings. But a chance to experience a wilderness camp leads Addy away from her comfort zone, along with five other kids, and across the country to Paradise Ranch. However, her worst nightmare occurs when a deadly forest fire leaves Addy and her friends fighting for their lives in the woods. VERDICT Perfect for reluctant readers and fans of Dusti Bowling’s The Canyon’s Edge, this is a tale of survival and hope that doesn’t disappoint.
Wildfire: The Culture, Science, and Future of Fire by Ferin Davis Anderson with Stephanie Sammartino McPherson. Twenty-First Century. ISBN 9781728424002.
Gr 7 Up–In this short informational text, the authors—an environmental scientist and a former teacher, respectively—pack a great deal of information on the science behind wildfires, current practices in fire prevention and management, and the traditions of Indigenous people surrounding the burning of wildernesses. VERDICT With the prominence of wildfires and the popularity of television shows like Fire Country, wildfires and fire ecology are bound to be a subject of interest to many young readers. This book is recommended to satisfy the curiosity of middle school and junior high readers.
We Don’t Have Time for This by Brianna Craft. Disney-Hyperion. ISBN 9781368092333.
Gr 9 Up–The wildfire season has expanded to the point of affecting Isa's first day of junior year, the air has become dangerous to breathe, and one of her classmate’s family members just lost their home to the flames. Frustrated that no one seems to be taking the changing environment seriously, Isa learns there’s a school club focused on it and jumps in with both feet. VERDICT An upbeat read, despite the serious themes, that will hopefully inspire teens to fight for a cause that affects their own lives.
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