Wildfire

Flames race toward Sam Castine’s summer camp as evacuation buses are loading, but Sam runs back to get his phone. Suddenly, a flash of heat blasts him as pine trees explode. Now a wall of fire separates Sam from his bus, and there’s only one thing to do: Run for his life. Run or die. 

Lungs burning, Sam’s only goal is to keep moving. Drought has made the forest a tinderbox, and Sam struggles to remember survival tricks he learned from his late father. Then, when he least expects it, he encounters Delphy, an older girl who is also lost. Their unlikely friendship grows as they join forces to find civilization. 

The pace never slows, and eventually flames surround Sam and Delphy on all sides. A powerful bond is forged that can only grow out of true hardship—as two true friends beat all odds and outwit one of the deadliest fires ever. 

In the first chapter, fire surrounds Sam, threatening his survival. At first, Sam is alone in the wilderness, giving readers a close look at Sam’s personal struggles. Not only is he grieving the loss of his father, but he is also worried about his mother, who is in rehab for opioid addiction. While Sam is trying to find his way through the wilderness, he often reflects on his parents, which gives him the strength to persevere. Additionally, his father’s wisdom and teachings enable Sam to make informed decisions and stay safe. 

When Delphy suddenly appears, lost and injured, Sam doesn’t think twice about helping her. Even though both want to survive, they don’t always agree. This, as well as their secrets, builds suspense. Both Delphy and Sam are likable characters, whom readers will connect with. Although the main conflict is surviving the fire, each character faces personal problems that middle grade readers will relate to. For example, Delphy believes that others won’t like her because she’s not pretty enough.  

Wildfire is a fast-paced story that draws readers in from the first page. Told from Sam’s point of view, the story is action-packed while allowing Sam’s character to be fully developed. The short chapters and straightforward plot make Wildfire an engaging, easy read. At the end of the novel, information about wildfires and practical safety tips enhances the reader’s understanding of one of the world’s most devastating natural disasters. Readers who enjoy Wildfire should also read I Survived the Great Chicago Fire by Lauren Tarshis and Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. 

Sexual Content  

• None

Violence  

• The wildfire “quickly engulfed hundreds of acres, cutting off power to his corner of the country.” The fire was caused by arson. A radio announcer says, “Hard to believe there’s someone out there angry enough, or evil enough, or stupid enough, to deliberately start a fire in a tinder-dry forest.”  
• During the fire, a “team of volunteer firefighters from Belfast. . .died trying to evacuate” people. 
• Two brothers started the fires. Delphy and Sam are sleeping in a cabin when they see the brothers. “They’ve discovered the lanterns and are scattering oil and lighting the place on fire. . . the flames spread quickly.”  
• Delphy and Sam try to sneak away without being seen, but the brothers spot them. The two friends get in a jeep and speed off, but the brothers follow them on bikes. “When the first biker catches up and starts screaming . . . she suddenly leaps up, swings her stick, and wham! slams him so hard he flies off his bike, and rolls along the trail like a rag doll.”  
• The other brother continues to pursue Delphy and Sam. “The remaining rider edges in, gets a gloved hand on the side of the Jeep. . . Delphy grabs a gallon jug of water, and in one smooth motion, slams it upside his head. He goes over backward, landing hard in the dirt. . .” The kids escape. The brothers are not seriously injured.    
• Sam thinks about when his father was killed. “The Hummer hit his truck in Afghanistan. How the gasoline tanker he was driving rolled off the shoulder of the road, turning the rig upside down. How he was trapped in the cab as the gas poured out and then exploded.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• After a car accident, Sam’s mother was prescribed “meds for the pain.” She quickly gets addicted to them.  
• Sam came home from school and “found [his mom] passed out on the floor, barely breathing.” Sam called 911, and “they took her to the hospital and pumped her stomach and tested her blood for opioids.”  
• Sam’s mom is in rehab. Sam is afraid that “my mother is going to die of an overdose.” 

Language  

• Several times, Sam calls himself an idiot. 
• Two boys intentionally set fires. Delphy calls them creeps and jerks. 
• Delphy calls Sam a dummy. 
• Sam has pledged not to swear, so when he’s upset, he says, “Double darn rat puke.” 
• The radio announcer says he made a “bonehead move” by not leaving the area.

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• Sam prays that his mom stays in rehab. “No more pills, no more pills, no more pills. Pray for no more pills.” 
• After the fire breaks out, a radio announcer says, “So we’re praying for rain! We’re dancing for rain!” 
• Sam prays “that the wind will change and blow the fire out like a candle on a birthday cake.” When Delphy and Sam appear out of nowhere, the radio announcer says, “Oh my Lord! You sent me two angels in a jeep!”