The Big Burn

Western Writers of America Spur Award for Teen FictionMontana Book Award HonorOn a hot summer day in 1910 a teenage soldier assembled his rifle. A girl argued to save trees on a mountain homestead. A young man set out to fight fire. None knew that soon the many blazes burning across northern Idaho would blow up and send a wall of flame racing their way.Portraying a natural disaster that would dictate how the United States would fight wildfire in the 20th century, The Big Burn brings to life a turning point in fire science, forestry, and history.Richly drawn characters doing their best against gigantic odds will grip your heart. The realistic depiction of wildfire will make you feel you were there.With non-fiction Field Notes and an Afterword about firefighting today, it's a novel that moves from the 1900s into the 21st century. Whether you're an adult or young adult reader, you'll come away with a new understanding of nature and of the role forest fire plays in shaping the environment. And you'll want to thank the firefighters who face wildfire every year.From the Christopher Award-winning author of Hitch and Paper Daughter"Historically accurate and dramatically engaging…a great choice for anyone who is interested in learning about the phenomena of forest fires while also reading a great story" -Teen Reads"Presents a vivid picture of a natural disaster while skillfully conveying in fluid prose the individual stories of the three young people" -Horn Book"Fascinating and harrowing…for any kid whose tastes run to disaster and survival, mixed into a coming of age story" -Richie's Picks"Readers will arrive at the final pages with an effortlessly acquired cache of information on how fire travels and the strategies employed to save land and life" -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksNational Book Foundation Book to Read AloudGroton Reads teen selection and companion read to Timothy Egan's non-fiction book also titled The Big Burn--Groton Public Library community-wide reading eventBook of the Month--Center for Integrating Research and Learning at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State UniversityKeystone State Reading Association Young Adult Book Award nomineeIdaho State by State Selection--The Great American Reading ProjectConnecticut Adult Virtual High School Contemporary Literature reading selection"Will soon have the reader enthralled" -Children's Literature"Readers with a taste for sprawling tales will find their efforts rewarded" -Kirkus"The masterful nonfiction introduction…moves through many small details, then widens to the big picture… At this point, we know we have to read on" -Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, author of NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students The Call of the Osprey"A story of danger and drama…exciting but also instructive and informative" -Kliatt"Will heighten appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of firefighters and settlers" -Publishers Weekly"While aimed at teens, the novel makes a compelling read for adults" -Billings Gazette"Readers will become engrossed in this dramatic tale of risk, bravery, personal responsibility and maturation" -The Olympian"Very well-researched…informative, and yet absorbing at the same time" -InkweaverPraise from readers"A welcome addition to any classroom library, especially for those reluctant readers""Not to be missed""So-real-you-could-reach-out-and-touch-them characters""Great historical fiction""Keeps you wanting more""A thrilling novel with much authenticity""As a librarian for youth I found this book to rate five stars and more""Good historical fiction — replete with adventure, romance and suspense"