A novel in verse focusing on an all too common event in the United States: devastating forest fires.
Finn and his parents live in Redwood Hollows, a rural California area. Rabbit (Marisol) is a best friend who shares his concern with the environmental effects caused by the frequent fires, especially what is happening to animals and plants in the forest. But what can two kids do to help?
When another out of control fire gets too close, everyone is forced to evacuate leaving homes and belongings behind. Finn’s family stays with his aunt in another California community farther away from the danger. Meanwhile, Rabbit’s beloved dog is missing but her family flees to find safety in Texas.
These two continue to communicate and discover evidence of what may have started the fire via Rabbit’s trail camera they had set up. The main focus of this engaging story though is on evacuation, rebuilding and the effects of life turned upside down for all residents.
Reading this revealing story gives you a deep understanding of wildfires and how climate change is causing their increased frequency. Equally important is the spark of hope a community feels thanks in part to Finn and Rabbit. SPARK is an important novel, one that will appeal to middle grade readers of all ages.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 15, 2025 PAGES: 320
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SPARK by Chris Baron
- Finn is a good student and his voice carries the story so well.
- PTSD is discussed as their substitute teacher virtually connects with the students and has them talk about what they are going through emotionally. Such an important component to healing and one Finn realizes he also needs.
- The author based the story on his own experiences living in California which result in a much deeper reveal for the effects of wildfires.
- How builders of new projects are often blind to the interaction of their projects and the environment. Working together is the answer that brings positive results.
- Firefighters and evacuation strategies are the heroes in making everyone feel safe.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Baron’s is the award winning author of Middle Grade novels in verse, All of Me, The Magical Imperfect, and The Gray from Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, as well as The Secret of the Dragon Gems. a Middle Grade novel co-authored with Rajani LaRocca from Little Bee Books. He is a Professor of English at San Diego City College and the director of the Writing Center. Learn more about him at www.chris-baron.com and on Twitter: @baronchrisbaron Instagram: @christhebearbaron
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Always in the Middle... 
I like this author, and I can only imagine the impact of devastating wildfires, must be horrendous. Thanks for the recommendation!
Just got a copy of this from Young Adult Books Central, so will have it when the students start back in August. Thanks for the review, and for hosting #MMGM!
This sounds intriguing! My husband was a wildlife firefighter, so it’s a familiar topic to me. This sounds like an interesting take, especially with the kids finding evidence for what really happened.
Sounds like a good one. We have a young friend who is wildfire fighter.