Wildfire

Rodman Philbrick
50 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2019

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Book Brief

Rodman Philbrick

Wildfire

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

202

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Action & Adventure

•

Survival Fiction

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Maine • Contemporary

Theme
Friendship

•

Perseverance

•

Environment
Topic
Natural Disaster
First Publication Year

2019

Publisher

The Blue Sky Press

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick follows 12-year-old Sam Castine, who, while attending a summer camp in Maine, is forced to flee into the forest when a deadly wildfire breaks out. Struggling to survive, he encounters Delphy, a teenage girl also stranded. Together, they navigate the perilous terrain, seeking safety and encountering various dangers as they try to escape the rapidly spreading fire.

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Emotional

Dark

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.0

4,400 ratings

72%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Rodman Philbrick’s Wildfire is a highly engaging survival story praised for its fast-paced plot and relatable protagonist. Reviewers commend the intense action and realistic portrayal of wildfires. Some critique the story for occasionally predictable plot points, but overall, it’s celebrated for its thrilling and educational nature, making it appealing to young readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wildfire?

A reader who would enjoy Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick is likely a middle school student interested in thrilling survival stories. Comparable to Gary Paulsen's Hatchet and Jean Craighead George's My Side of the Mountain, this book appeals to those who enjoy intense, action-packed adventures and young protagonists overcoming natural disasters.

4.0

4,400 ratings

72%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

A 12-year-old boy attending summer camp in Maine who becomes caught in a wildfire. He is resourceful, determined to survive, and motivated by his love for his family.

A 14-year-old girl at a nearby girls' fitness camp who teams up with Sam during the wildfire. She is strong, driven, and provides a supportive partnership in their survival quest.

They play a significant role in shaping Sam's motivation and emotional state. His father, who passed away, taught him survival skills, while his mother struggles with prescription drug addiction.

A radio broadcaster who provides crucial emergency updates to Sam and Delphy via his broadcast. He becomes a vital ally in their survival efforts.

Two antagonists who start fires in the Maine woods. They are driven by their disdain for outsiders and escalate the danger faced by Sam and Delphy.

Book Details
Pages

202

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Action & Adventure

•

Survival Fiction

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Maine • Contemporary

Theme
Friendship

•

Perseverance

•

Environment
Topic
Natural Disaster
First Publication Year

2019

Publisher

The Blue Sky Press

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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