Paradise on Fire

Exciting and immediately absorbing; I loved it!

I loved this book! With interesting young leading characters, all with their own issues and fears, the story evolves, and the tension steadily increases until you find yourself smack in the middle of some honest-to-goodness pulse-pounding action. I almost thought I was breathing the fresh air and, later, choking on ash and embers. The characters were so very engaging that I was much affected as things unfolded. The story easily and totally absorbed me from start to finish.

In addition to the exciting story, the very serious themes of climate change, ecological degradation, and the need for environmental protection came through the action. These concepts with consequences are presented simply show more and straightforwardly so the youngest readers will understand, and older ones will not feel it's too preachy.

PARADISE ON FIRE is an unforgettable adventure story that is perfect for middle grades, high school, and readers who enjoyed Gary Paulsen's Hatchet.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours. show less

This is a story that exemplifies the saying "courage is fear that said its prayers." When it begins, Addy is ruled by the emotional scars from the terrible fire that killed her parents. No matter where she is, she feels compelled to create mazes and maps showing all her possible escape routes. However, when she and a number of other Black inner city kids travel to a wilderness ranch experience in California, she begins to blossom, first relating to Leo, the owner and his dog, then to the healing aura of the wilderness, and ultimately to the strengths of her fellow campers. When a wildfire breaks out, Addie's strengths push aside her fear and terror. Read this one for a great adventure and uplifting experience.

Props for being a wilderness preparedness book that's all about/for Black teens -- that's cool. Addy's a great character, with her obsession with survival and map making, and her discovery that she loves the wilderness. The book is kind of choppy, but the story is interesting. Surprised that so much of it is not, in fact, about the fire -- that's very much the last bit of the book. Loved the emphasis on climate change.

well, this book really WAS an adventure. I admired Addy's braveness. how she looked out for her friends toward the end. it made me really happy. I loved almost everything about this book, I feel like it was really.. influential, to say the least.

Read first 12 pages, I can tell it's excellent, just cannot read about a horrific fire right now. Will come back to this and read other JPR in the meantime.