I Escaped the California Camp Fire

When 14-year-old Troy’s parents leave him in charge overnight, he has no idea his life in Paradise is about to change. Unaware of any danger, Troy and his kid sister dive into a huge junk-food-feast and watch movies until 2 a.m. 

When Troy’s dog, Rascal, jerks him awake at 9 a.m., he’s alarmed to see that it’s black as night outside. How can that be? Then, he gets a bunch of panicked texts from his best friend, “I see flames. Get out of town.” 

Terror slingshots down Troy’s spine. He sprints to the neighbor’s house, only to have Mrs. Jones tell him to stay put. Wildfires happen all the time. But Troy can see flames rushing toward their home. Unable to reach his parents, and with a kid sister, a dog, and a cat to protect, he knows he has to act. How can he get them all to safety? They’ll never be able to outrun the fire on foot. He has to make a decision, fast. Does he have what it takes to escape? 

Readers will empathize with Troy, who is forced to make adult decisions that could have dire consequences. At first, Troy wants to rely on adults to make decisions for him, but many of them do not think they need to evacuate. But Troy knows that to survive, he must leave Paradise. Despite his terror and uncertainty, Troy takes action. Troy’s quick thinking and courage are admirable, making him a very likable character. 

I Escaped the California Camp Fire is a fast-paced story that incorporates facts about the Camp Fire. Troy’s experiences highlight the unique situation that the people of Paradise faced, such as having only one road in and out of town. Reading the book will help readers understand how the fire affected people and why eighty-six people lost their lives. To enhance readers’ understanding, the backmatter provides additional information about the Camp Fire, a timeline, and a list of additional books about fires.  

Similar to the I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis, I Escaped the California Camp Fire explores a natural disaster without using graphic descriptions. However, Troy’s experiences will cause the readers’ hearts to race as he fights for survival. The story’s short, suspenseful chapters will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. The likable protagonist and high-interest topic will appeal to any reader who enjoys a good survival story.  

Sexual Content  

• None

Violence  

• The majority of the book focuses on Troy and his sister’s attempts to escape the fire. For example, Troy’s neighborhood is engulfed in flames. “Another series of explosions boomed, sounding like a giant’s machine gun mowing down the enemy. . . More patches of fire spots erupted in the distance.” 
• Unsure what to do, Troy watches as “a propane tank exploded into a massive firebomb. The bright fireball lit the neighborhood. Flowing debris flew as if tossed by a fire god, casting destruction into the wind.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None

Language  

• Troy tells his sister, “Don’t be a brat.” 
• Troy’s sister calls him stupid. 
• Troy thinks the town he lives in is a “H-E-double-hockey-sticks kind of place.” 
• When Troy falls, he exclaims, “Banana boogers.” 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• At first, Troy says he doesn’t believe in God. Later, he says, “Maybe there is a God.” 
• Troy’s neighbor refuses to leave because, “I was born here and if it’s God’s will, I’ll die here.” It is implied that the woman dies. 
• A woman tells Troy that her husband is not in town. She says, “Thank the Lord I don’t have to worry about him out in this inferno.” 
• While talking to his parents on the phone, Troy’s mom says, “Let’s pray. Dear Lord in heaven, like Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego, give my babies safe passage through the flames, amen.” 
• A neighbor tells Troy not to leave town. As Troy drives away, “he prays she was wrong because there is no turning back.” 
• Several times, Troy prays. For example, “God, if you’re real. Let us outrun this fire.”