Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick sends readers straight into the nightmare of a raging wildfire as 12-year-old Sam is trapped by explosive flames and deadly smoke that threaten to take his life. Can he survive?
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. At the end of the novel, information about wildfires and useful safety tips add to the reader's understanding of one of the US's most dangerous natural disasters. BL 4.5/5 |
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE:
Maine experienced a devastating wildfire in 1947. Do you think Wildfire takes place in 1947? Why or why not? Read about the devastating wildfire that took place in Maine in 1947. In what ways is the wildfire described in this book like the 1947 fire? How is it different? You may choose to create a graph or pictograph, draw a picture, or write a paragraph.
Maine experienced a devastating wildfire in 1947. Do you think Wildfire takes place in 1947? Why or why not? Read about the devastating wildfire that took place in Maine in 1947. In what ways is the wildfire described in this book like the 1947 fire? How is it different? You may choose to create a graph or pictograph, draw a picture, or write a paragraph.
CHANCE:
In the resolution of Wildfire, the reader learns what happens to Sam, the Jeep, Delphy, Sam's mom, and the dirt bikers. Briefly describe what happens to each of these after the wildfire.
In the resolution of Wildfire, the reader learns what happens to Sam, the Jeep, Delphy, Sam's mom, and the dirt bikers. Briefly describe what happens to each of these after the wildfire.
ACTIVITY 3:
Have you ever thought about becoming a Wildland Firefighter? What would you have to do? Go to this website about the Colorado State Forest Service and read up on what it would take. How much would you make? How much schooling would you have to do? Make a poster that tells about the three steps that it would take if this is your life's dream. If it is a decision you make, I wish you the best of luck and would be very proud of you, because it would take a LOT of courage!!
Have you ever thought about becoming a Wildland Firefighter? What would you have to do? Go to this website about the Colorado State Forest Service and read up on what it would take. How much would you make? How much schooling would you have to do? Make a poster that tells about the three steps that it would take if this is your life's dream. If it is a decision you make, I wish you the best of luck and would be very proud of you, because it would take a LOT of courage!!