From award-winning and bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age survival tale exploring issues of race, class, and climate change.
Addy is haunted by the tragic fire that killed her parents, leaving her to be raised by her grandmother. Years later, Addys grandmother has enrolled her in a summer wilderness program. There, Addy joins five other Black city kidseach with their own troublesto spend a summer out west.
Deep in the forest the kids learn new (and to them) strange skills: camping, hiking, rock climbing, and how to start and safely put out campfires. Most important, they learn to depend upon each other for companionship and survival.
But then comes a devastating forest fire
Addy is face-to-face with her destiny and haunting past. Developing her courage and resiliency against the raging fire, its up to Addy to lead her friends to safety. Not all are saved. But remembering her origins and grandmothers teachings, shes able to use street smarts, wilderness skills, and her spiritual intuition to survive.
BCALA 2021 Best of the Best Book
A Cadmus Childrens Fiction Award for the Green Earth Book Award winner
Embark on a thrilling and poignant journey with "Paradise on Fire" by award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes, a powerful coming-of-age story perfect for middle grade readers (ages 10-14) and beyond. This captivating paperback explores themes of race, class, climate change, trauma, resilience, and the enduring strength of friendship, set against the backdrop of a devastating forest fire. Addy, haunted by the tragic loss of her parents in a fire, carries emotional scars that time hasn't fully healed. Living with her grandmother, she's presented with an unexpected opportunity: a summer wilderness program far from her urban life. Reluctantly, she joins five other Black city kids, each grappling with their own personal challenges and anxieties. The program promises a chance for growth, but Addy quickly discovers it's much more than she bargained for. Deep within the wilderness, the group learns essential survival skills camping, hiking, rock climbing, and the responsible handling of fire. More importantly, they forge bonds of friendship and discover the vital importance of teamwork and mutual reliance. Away from the familiar comforts of their city lives, they begin to confront their individual fears and insecurities, finding strength in their shared experiences. However, their newfound sense of community and self-discovery is brutally tested when a raging forest fire erupts, threatening to engulf everything in its path. Suddenly, the skills they've learned become a matter of life and death. Addy, forced to confront her deepest fears and the trauma of her past, emerges as a leader. She must use her wits, courage, and newfound wilderness knowledge to guide her friends to safety. "Paradise on Fire" is a story of survival, but it's also a story of healing and empowerment. Addy's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in the face of adversity. Drawing upon her grandmother's teachings, her own street smarts, and a growing sense of spiritual intuition, she fights not only for her own survival, but for the lives of her friends. Not everyone makes it, which adds a layer of realism and emotional weight to the narrative, underscoring the harsh realities of natural disasters and the lasting impact of trauma. Jewell Parker Rhodes, known for her insightful and engaging storytelling, tackles complex issues with sensitivity and grace. "Paradise on Fire" seamlessly blends adventure with important social and environmental themes, making it an ideal choice for classroom discussions and book clubs. This compelling novel will resonate with young readers who are looking for stories that explore themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. This novel is especially pertinent for young black readers who will see themselves represented in Addy and her friends. With its fast-paced plot, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes, "Paradise on Fire" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of nature. It's a timely and important book that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Angie Thomas, "Paradise on Fire" offers a compelling and ultimately hopeful message about the human capacity to overcome even the most daunting challenges. This BCALA 2021 Best of the Best Book and a Cadmus Childrens Fiction Award for the Green Earth Book Award winner, is more than just an adventure story; it's a call to action for a generation facing the realities of climate change and the importance of community.
