Wildfire

Annie and Pete have been best friends ever since they met as young children. They know each other’s personalities better than anyone else, finish each other’s sentences, know each other’s deepest, darkest secrets and fears, and consider each other soulmates, in a friendship sense. They even have a notebook filled with all of their adventures and instances when they’ve almost died.

The pair have always been just friends. There have been several moments where things almost went beyond friend territory, but nothing transpired. Lately, Annie has been reminiscing on these moments, wondering what it would be like to be more than friends. The problem is that Pete now has a girlfriend.

The duo embarks on their next big adventure—a 10-day hike through the mountains, ending upon their arrival at Fire Camp where they are scheduled to learn how to fight wildfires. As with many of their adventures, Annie and Pete are faced with many obstacles, both physical and emotional, from fighting the elements, injury, navigational difficulties, coming to terms with Annie’s troubled relationship with her mother and grieving the loss of her grandmother, Gigi, and not to mention her unrequited feelings for Pete.

Wildfire is award-winning author Carrie Mac’s latest novel for young adults. Her book 10 Things I Can See from Here was an ALA Rainbow List Selection and a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and The Gryphon Project won the Sheila A. Egoff Book Prize. Mac resides in East Vancouver with her family.

Mac masterfully weaves together several themes in this text, including the development of personal identity, love in its many forms, grief, and survival in the elements. The themes of the exploration of self and exploration of nature and the outdoors were particularly well-paired and detailed throughout the text as Annie reflects on her past and present whilst dealing with the hazards the mountain terrain throws her way. The chapters that contain Annie’s reflections are particular relevant and important for the reader to understand her present predicament and her relationship with Pete.

The setting of this text is a key element that drives the plot forward and gives the reader a clear picture of what Annie and Pete are facing. From the detailed descriptions of the various features of the landscape, including the mountains, rivers, rocky trails, foliage, wildlife, and wildfires, Mac brings the setting to life for the reader. Having a visual of the setting allows the reader to understand and appreciate the skills and experience that Annie and Pete have gained over the years, from physical fitness, navigational skills, planning and preparedness, the ability to create and locate shelter, identify edible foods, and start a fire.

Wildfire brings together themes of coming-of-age, adventure and survival, grief, and love in all its forms in a well-woven tale. The plot drives forward through Annie’s reflections of her past and her quick decision-making and survival skills in the present, and readers are likely to notice and appreciate her character’s development throughout the text. Wildfire would be a worthy addition to any home, school, or classroom library.