Firestorm

FIRESTORM by Jan Schultz was a very real experience. About a little known event in history, in a little known part of the U.S., Hinckley, Minnesota, the "ugly, dry,dusty" area where Maggie had to move is a perfect setting for the raging fire that took the little town almost off the map.Jan Shultz knows the value of detail, almost too much to absorb, and from the pictures she portrays one is present from the train ride to the burial of all the dead people along a treacherous way. An exciting, alarming ride.

Many kids can will indentify with Maggie when she has to leave the home and friends she loves and move to a new community. The problems of making new friends and settling in, however, fade quickly when a huge forest fire takes over the town, forcing everyone to evacuate. The frightening train ride through the fire, written with gripping intensity and vivid detail is sure to hook readers of all ages. Throughout the book, the author shows Maggie's growth from a rather self-centered girl to a more mature and responsible person. A good read for everyone.